Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000

The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 regulate loudspeakers and other sound-amplifying systems to protect ambient noise standards. They impose requirements concerning prior permission, night-time use, location and maximum noise levels.

Permission and place restrictions

• A loudspeaker or public-address system may be used only after obtaining written permission from the designated authority.
• The authority may be the District Magistrate, Police Commissioner, or another designated officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police.
• Using sound amplifiers within a duly declared silence zone constitutes an offence under the Rules.

Restrictions during night hours

A loudspeaker or public-address system cannot ordinarily be used between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. It may be used during these hours inside closed premises for communication within them, such as auditoria, conference rooms, community halls and banquet halls, or during a public emergency.

• A State Government may permit use between 10 p.m. and midnight on limited cultural, religious or festive occasions.
• Such relaxation cannot exceed 15 days in total during a calendar year and remains subject to conditions imposed by the State Government.

Permissible noise levels

• At the boundary of a public place, noise from a loudspeaker must not exceed 10 dB(A) above the applicable ambient noise standard or 75 dB(A), whichever is lower.
• At the boundary of a private place, a privately owned sound system must not exceed the applicable ambient noise standard by more than 5 dB(A).
• The designated authority may issue orders to prevent, prohibit, control or regulate amplified sound when the Rules are violated.