Pune: NHRC Takes Cognisance of Pune Ganeshotsav Noise Complaints, Seeks MPCB Report in Two Weeks
Pune, 2nd September 2026: Noise pollution during the 10-day Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav celebrations in Pune has come under the National Human Rights Commission’s (NHRC) scanner, with the commission seeking an action taken report from the Maharashtra State Pollution Control Board (MPCB) on allegations of violations by Ganesh mandals.
The NHRC took cognizance of a complaint filed by Pune resident Sharad Kelkar under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. The complaint, alleges that several Ganesh mandals install large walls of audio amplifiers outside pandals and continue playing music beyond the permitted 10pm deadline, including during processions.
Kelkar alleged that the high-decibel sound and vibrations during the festivities pose serious health risks to pregnant women, infants, patients and senior citizens. He also claimed that the use of laser beams during celebrations had resulted in blindness in some cases.
According to the complaint, repeated requests to mandals to comply with noise pollution norms have failed, with the complainant alleging that some organisers enjoy the backing of municipal corporators and local political leaders. Kelkar further alleged that civic and police authorities, including the municipal commissioner, mayor and police commissioner, have rarely intervened despite complaints.
The complaint also referred to a public meeting held on August 24, where a citizen Vidyanand Bapat seeking restrictions on noise pollution was allegedly heckled and escorted out, while some corporators reportedly opposed any curbs on the use of loudspeakers and sound systems. Kelkar said his written representations to civic and police authorities had also failed to elicit action.
An NHRC bench headed by member Priyank Kanoongo observed that the allegations, prima facie, appeared to indicate violations of the human rights of those affected. The commission’s registry has been directed to issue a notice to the MPCB chairman, seeking an inquiry into the allegations and an action taken report within two weeks.
The pollution control board has also been asked to provide details of the permissible noise limits under applicable laws for Dolby and DJ sound systems, and clarify whether a licensing or permission mechanism exists for their use. If such a system is in place, the board has been asked to provide details of permissions issued during the past year and identify the authority competent to grant them.
The MPCB has further been directed to submit details of challans, prohibition orders, notices and other enforcement measures taken over the past year against violations of prescribed noise limits.
The NHRC has recorded the general public as the victim in the case, with the place of incident listed as “all over Pune”.
