MUMBAI, INDIA, September 24, 2003: The Mumbai High Court has given an interim order to curb noise pollution during Navaratri, following a Public Interest Litigation. According to the interim ruling, noise levels should not cross 45 decibels after 10 p.m. (IST). But the state government has extended the permission for loudspeakers till midnight for the three days of the festival. Though the court still insists that even for those days the decibel levels should not go beyond the set limit. Not everyone is happy with the ruling. “There is noise always at the airports with flights taking off and landing. Why target Navaratri, which only lasts for nine days?” said Preeti, a singer. According to a Supreme Court verdict given two years ago, loud speakers can be used till midnight for 15 days in a year. And for Navaratri the state has extended the deadline on September 27, and October 1 and 2.
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