Random thoughts 21042017

#BitterPill A lot of hue and cry has been made over the recent statements made by singer Sonu Nigam on the subject of the sound of Azaan on loudspeaker , disturbing his sleep. People have very quickly divided themselves into for and against camps, and the issue has been portrayed variously as a religious matter, secular ethos and liberal views. Most of the people seem to have taken stands based on their emotions , prejudices and political views.

Any controversy with religious colour on this matter is needless because our allegiance as a citizen of the Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic  Republic of India should primarily be with the constitution which is supported by the legal system and laws enacted by the elected representatives.  Either we follow the constitution or  rewrite it to suit our needs. Either we change the laws or let us follow them. People giving statements right and left on the subject of use or misuse of loudspeakers may please note that there is indeed a law on this subject too.
 
The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 has been enacted by the Government of India in exercise of its powers conferred under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Under rule 5 of the law there are some restrictions imposed on the use of loud speakers/ public address system, which says-

(l)       A loudspeaker or a public address system shall not be used except after obtaining written permission from the authority. -

(2)       A loud speaker or a public address system shall not be used at night (between 10.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m.) except in closed premises for communication within, e.g. auditoria, conference rooms, conference  rooms, community halls and banquet halls.

The law also has other aspects like noise pollution, silence zones, consequence of violation, responsibility, ambient air quality, power to prohibit , statutory provisions and many other things mentioned therein.

Why not let the law take its own course and if we have to take a stand then let us take it in favour of the law and the legal provisions . And let it be applicable to all instances i.e. for marriage parties, political meetings , religious congregations,  corporate activities , IPL matches  and even musical functions (in some of which perhaps Mr. Sonu Nigam performs himself) . And the responsibility of enforcing the law lies solely with the government machinery because noise pollution is a matter of Law and Order , not an issue to be identified with this religion or that religion.

But I wonder, if some people are so concerned about noise pollution or disturbance from it then why don't they file a FIR. Tweets and FB posts do not stop anything. But of course, it enhances the visibility of a profile. Only legal steps can stop something which is illegal. There are laws but we don't bother using them or feel afraid to use the provisions for lodging a complain. That should be a matter of introspection. If you can't fight injustice then no point in crying over it. Better keep quiet and enjoy life as others are doing.