Diljit Dosanjh's Chandigarh concert marred by another controversy; UT Admin says ' event breached prescribed noise limits'

Controversies surrounding Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh refuse to die down. In a fresh development, the UT Administration has informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court that Diljit Dosanjh's recent concert in Chandigarh breached prescribed noise limits.  In the wake of this, show-cause notices had been issued to the violators.

On December 13, while hearing a petition ahead of Diljit Dosanjh's Chandigarh concert, the Punjab and Haryana High Court deliberated on the permissible noise levels, noting that the limit for commercial areas is 65 decibels, which can be extended up to 75 decibels at the venue's boundary. 

The UT Administration informed the High Court that sound pollution was measured at three different locations, and in all three, the recorded sound levels exceeded the prescribed standards. The sound levels ranged from 76 to 93 decibels at these locations, which was against the prescribed noise limits by the HC.  "As per the High Court's orders, action must be taken if the sound level exceeds 75 decibels. Therefore, a show-cause notice is being issued to the organisers," the UT Administration informed the court. 

The High Court has taken this information on record and adjourned the hearing until January.

Notably, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the court concerning traffic management, crowd control, and noise pollution for Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh’s concert on December 14 in Chandigarh. The petition raised concerns about potential disruptions to the lives of residents, particularly senior citizens, and sought to ensure compliance with noise pollution and traffic regulations.

Following arguments and submissions from both parties, the Punjab and Haryana High Court granted permission for the event to proceed, subject to adherence to noise pollution rules and ambient air quality standards. The court also directed the authorities to take action if noise levels exceeded permissible limits.

“This court has no hesitation in allowing the event from taking place, subject to ambient air quality standards in respect of noise being maintained at the boundary of the place to a maximum of 75 decibels,” the High Court had ruled.