The Punjab and Haryana High Court has allowed Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh’s much-anticipated concert in Chandigarh on December 14, following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that raised concerns about traffic management, crowd control, and noise levels.
The petition, filed by Chandigarh-based advocate Ranjeet Singh, sought the Court’s intervention for a detailed report from the Chandigarh Administration on the arrangements for the concert. The petitioner expressed concerns over the disruptions caused by a previous concert at the same venue, citing traffic jams and inadequate safety measures that allegedly infringed upon citizens’ fundamental rights.
In response, the Court emphasized the need for effective management, particularly regarding noise levels and security. Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Anil Kshetarpal directed that the event organizers strictly adhere to the Noise Pollution (Control and Regulation) Rules, with a cap on noise levels at 75 decibels at the event’s boundary.
“Looking at the preparations made by the official respondents as well as the private respondents, this Court has no hesitation in allowing the event to take place subject to ambient air quality standards in respect of noise being maintained at the boundary of place where the event is being held,” the Court ruled. It further warned that if noise levels exceeded the stipulated limit, penal action would be taken against the organizers.
“Reduce the volume a little bit,” Justice Nagu advised during the hearing, noting that excessive noise could disrupt citizens’ peace, especially in areas with senior citizens. “How will they sleep? They may have a heart attack. That is a possibility,” Justice Nagu remarked, highlighting concerns about public health.
The Court also observed that large events like concerts should ideally be held at stadiums with sufficient parking facilities, indicating a preference for such events to be held outside Chandigarh.
The Chandigarh Administration, in its submission, confirmed that no vehicle parking would be allowed in Sector 34 during the event. Instead, cars will be directed to nearby areas like Sector 17. Additionally, the authorities assured the Court that 2,400 police personnel, up from 500 at a previous concert, would be deployed, along with 600-700 private security personnel. The concert’s entry and exit points will be managed through 50 gates.
The event organizers also assured the Court that noise levels would not exceed the 120-decibel threshold, with specific arrangements made to safeguard children in attendance. The concert is scheduled to conclude before 10 PM.
The Court has scheduled another hearing for December 18 to ensure compliance with the directives.
