The Punjab and Haryana High Court Today (Dec 13) permitted Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh to go ahead with his concert in Chandigarh on Saturday. A Bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Anil Kshetarpal, however, directed that the concert organizers to abide by the Noise Pollution (Control and Regulation) Rules. A PIL was moved before the High Court seeking directions to the Chandigarh Administration for a detailed report on traffic management, crowd control and security measures for Dosanjh’s concert on December 14.
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Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Friday granted permission for Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh’s concert in Chandigarh, scheduled for Saturday.
The Bench, led by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Anil Kshetarpal, emphasized adherence to the Noise Pollution (Control and Regulation) Rules during the event.
“This court has no hesitation in allowing the event from taking place subject to ambient air quality standard in respect of noise being maintained at the boundary of place, to a maximum of 75db,”
-the Court ordered.
Noise Concerns and Public Peace
While allowing the event, the Court highlighted the importance of maintaining peaceful conditions for nearby residents.
“Please maintain the decibel level. There are senior citizens living around that place. How will they sleep, they may have heart attack. That is a possibility,”
-Justice Nagu remarked.
The Court recommended that future concerts should be held in stadiums to ensure proper crowd and parking management. The UT Administration informed the Court that permissions for similar events in Sector 34 are unlikely to be granted in the future.
Addressing Public Concerns
The permission was granted despite concerns raised in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Chandigarh-based advocate Ranjeet Singh. The PIL sought directions for traffic management, crowd control, and safety measures for the concert on December 14. It referred to disruptions caused by singer Karan Aujla’s recent concert at the same venue.
“The authorities and organizers failed to plan adequately for managing traffic, controlling noise levels, and ensuring the smooth functioning of emergency services, thereby violating citizens’ fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution,”
-the PIL stated.
The petitioner expressed concerns about recurring events at the venue, mentioning upcoming performances by AP Dhillon on December 21 and the challenges posed to essential services in the area.
“Sector 34 is in the heart of the UT Chandigarh, and adjoin sector 32 where all the medical and health services are there, and emergency health services need to pass sector 34, further the concert are continuously going to take place at same venue and after artist Karan Aujala on 7.12.2024 now artist Diljit Dosanjh is performing at same venue on 14.12.2024, and further AP Dhillion is going to perform at same venue on 21.12.2024.”
Administration’s Response and Preparations
Senior Advocate Amit Jhanji, representing the Chandigarh Administration, assured the Court that detailed measures are in place to prevent disruptions.
“Traffic management is being taken care of,”
-Jhanji submitted, adding that Sector 34 has been declared a no-vehicle zone for the event. Cars will be parked in Sector 17 and other nearby locations.
To address crowd control, Jhanji informed the Court that 2,400 police personnel would be deployed, a significant increase compared to the 500 personnel deployed during the previous concert.
“This time we are taking more care because in the previous concert there were only 500 police personnel. Now it is four times that and there is 600-700 is their private security. There are around 50 gates for entrance,”
-it was submitted.
Organizers’ Compliance and Safeguards
Senior Advocate Akshay Bhan, representing the organizers, assured the Court that the event would conclude before 10 PM and detailed compliance with decibel levels.
“All speakers are fixed at a level. 120db is the fixed volume … 120db won’t be exceeded because children are going to be there,”
-Bhan submitted.
He also confirmed that no permission had been granted for serving liquor at the event. Furthermore, an advisory issued by the Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CCPCR) was being followed to ensure safety measures for children.
Balancing Entertainment and Public Welfare
The Court’s decision reflects a balance between allowing cultural events and safeguarding public rights.
With enhanced security and adherence to regulations, the event aims to minimize potential disruptions while providing a safe and enjoyable experience for attendees.
Click Here to Read Previous Reports on Diljit Dosanjh
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