Administration to conduct surprise inspection at marriage palaces

Tribune News Service
Patiala, February 6

With exams around the corner, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) has warned owners of marriage palaces and banquet halls of strict action for playing loud music beyond the stipulated time. 

In a meeting on the noise pollution, Deputy Commissioner Kumar Amit directed all owners that DJs and loud music systems should be installed and played only inside halls of marriage palaces.

In the meeting, Amit said the Administration would soon conduct surprise inspections in the district to tighten the noose around defaulters.

“Marriage palace owners and DJ operators have already been apprised of the ill-effects of noise pollution generated by playing loud music in the open,” the DC added.

According to the Punjab Instruments (Control of Noises) Act, 1956, one cannot use loudspeakers from 10 pm to 6 am and during the morning and evenings, the noise level should not exceed the fixed limit.

The Act further states that those flouting the rules will be liable for punishment with imprisonment of either description for a term, which may extend to six months’ or with a fine, which may extend to Rs 1,000 or with both. Despite the punishment in place, the menace continues non-stop.

Moreover, marriage palace owners were also directed to keep the environment clean as part of Swachh Bharat mission. “We have requested owners to take extra care of cleanliness during marriage functions and parties in view of Swachh Bharat  Abhiyan,” the DC said.

“Marriage palace owners have assured co-operation in this regard,” the DC added after the meeting.