Modified silencers causing noise pollution: High Court

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The Karnataka High  Court on Tuesday addressed the auditory menace caused by modified silencers, also known as  ‘mufflers’ that are fitted at  the end of an exhaust system to reduce the noise  emitted by the vehicle. The  Court directed the state  government and the Bengaluru City Police to submit comprehensive details  regarding ‘action being  taken’ against two-wheelers and four-wheelers that  use modified versions of  these devices. Saying that  vehicles fitted with these  modified silencers are causing noise pollution, a division bench comprising  Chief Justice Ritu Raj  Awasthi and Justice Sachin  Shankar Magadum asked  the state what action they  are taking to curb noise pollution. It also asked for details on the steps being taken against night clubs and  other institutes that violate  the noise pollution laws.

The court observed that  vehicle owners are flouting  the rules by replacing factory-fitted silencers with  modifying silencers. “You  (state government) will understand how it feels if you  lived right by a busy road.” The court said that noise  pollution caused by the use  of loud speakers should  also be controlled and that  they should not be allowed  for longer periods. Meanwhile the court also sought  the legalities over permission given to 15 respondent  mosques that were mentioned in the PIL, that supposedly use loud speakers.

HC hears objections to  amendment of KMV

Bengaluru: The High Court  on Tuesday has ordered  that the amended Rule 33 of  the Karnataka Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, which  paves way for dealer level  registration of motor vehicles, shall be subject to the  result of the case. The court  was hearing a PIL filed by  Mohammad Dastagir,  which alleged that the  amendment was not in accordance with the law and  is in violation of principles  of natural justice.

The court has issued notices in the case while ordering that the amendment  to the KMV rule shall be  subject to the outcome of  the case.

“With a view to legalize  dealer level registration of  motor vehicles, the State  Government issued a draft  notification proposing to  amend Rule 33 of the Karnataka Motor Vehicles  Rules, 1989. Only 5 days’  time was allowed for the  general public to file their  objections and suggestions  to the proposed amendment,” PIL states.

It adds that the notification is issued in utter haste  without considering the objections filed by the petitioner. “The notification is  issued in violation of the  principles of natural justice besides being vague  and unenforceable. If such  an amendment is continued to be enforced, irreparable loss and injury would  be caused to innumerable  citizens of Karnataka  State,” the petition states.