A joint petition submitted to the Kanyakumari District Collector by Samuga Pothunala Iyakkam (TNSPI) General Secretary A.S. Shankarapandian, Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) District Secretary Adv. C.M. Balraj, Adi Tamilar Katchi District Secretary K. Kumaresan and other office-bearers stated as follows:
The installation of powerful loudspeakers at places of worship, public events and temple festivals in Kanyakumari district has become a recurring practice. As the police do not take notice of the issue, the public are being severely affected by such unlawful activities.
In particular, excessive noise poses a threat to the health and peace of various groups including elderly people, women, children and people with health conditions. Noise pollution from high sound levels also affects students’ education and can cause mental stress and various health problems.
Although cone-shaped loudspeakers have already been banned, they continue to be installed and used on tree branches and at elevated places. Powerful speakers are also being installed in boxes and used at sound levels exceeding the prescribed 45-decibel level.
People continue to be affected as high-volume loudspeakers are used at places of worship in the early morning and at night without action being taken. This also disturbs public peace and can lead to law-and-order problems. The petition therefore demanded a complete ban on installing loudspeakers that produce excessive sound and stringent action against those violating the rules.
Head Office,
Samuga Pothunala Iyakkam (TNSPI).