VHP seeks exemption for loudspeaker use during Ganeshotsava, Dasara festivities in DK

VHP seeks exemption for loudspeaker use during Ganeshotsava, Dasara festivities in DK

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Aug 22, 2025: The Dakshina Kannada district unit of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Thursday urged the police in the district to grant exemption for use of loud speakers for cultural programmes that would be held at night during Ganeshotsava, Dasara, and other festive occasions.

Speaking to reporters here, VHP Karnataka Dakshina Pranta joint secretary Sharan Pumpwell said under rule 5 of Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, the State government may grant conditional permission for use of loudspeakers at night (10 p.m. to midnight) for 15 days in a year for cultural or religious programmes or during festive occasions.

The police should use this rule to allow use of loud speakers for Ganeshotsava, Dasara programmes, ‘Kola’, and other late night cultural programmes held across the district. A memorandum in this regard was submitted to Additional Deputy Commissioner K. Raju on Thursday, Mr. Pumpwell said.

Reacting to the demand, Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy, in a statement, said law was clear and no permission will be given for use of high decibel DJs. However, some flexible arrangements will be made to ensure celebrations will happen without any disturbance to general public, senior citizens, patients, and students.

A meeting with representatives of event organisers will be held on Friday, he said.