K.Ramachandran v. The Tahsildar

ORDER This petition has been filed seeking for a direction to the respondents 1 to 4 to consider the petitioner's representation dated 26.05.2026 and to take immediate, permanent measures to restrict and relocate the installation of speakers away from petitioner's residence at No.1/405, K.Meenachipuram village during all festivals and ensuring strict adherence to permissible ambient air quality standards regarding noise under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.

¶2The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner's representation dated 26.05.2026 has not been considered by the respondents and, therefore, the present writ petition has come to be filed.

¶3The learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondent police submitted that K. Meenachipuram is a small village where three temples are situated adjacent to one another and that a common stage has been provided for the use of the said temples. It was further submitted that the said stage is utilized only during temple festivals for organizing cultural and other related programmes and that there is no permanent installation of speakers or loudspeakers on the said common stage.

¶4The learned Government Advocate further submitted that the petitioner's complaint was duly considered and a proper enquiry was conducted. During the course of the enquiry, the petitioner himself appeared before the respondent police and gave a written undertaking stating that the parties had arrived at an amicable settlement and that he was not pressing the complaint any further. On the basis of the said undertaking, the complaint was closed on

09.06.2026.

¶5The learned counsel appearing for respondents 5 and 6 submitted that loudspeakers are used only during the festival days and that too after obtaining due permission from the respondent police. It was further submitted that the sound levels are maintained within the permissible limits prescribed under the applicable rules and regulations.

¶6Heard the learned counsel on either side and carefully perused the materials before this Court.

¶7Though the learned Government Advocate submitted that the complaint has already been closed, since the petitioner had not insisted on further action against the respondents, and though the learned counsel appearing for the respondents 5 and 6 submitted that loudspeakers have never been used beyond the permissible decibel limits, this Court is of the considered view that, whenever any festival is organized on the common stage, the organizers shall obtain necessary permission from the respondent police for the use of loudspeakers. The respondent police shall ensure that such permission is granted only in accordance with the permissible noise limits prescribed under law and shall suitably monitor the same to ensure compliance.

¶8With the above directions, this writ petition stands disposed of.

17.06.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No sm TO:-

¶1The Tahsildar, Nilakottai Taluk, Dindigul District.

¶2The Superintendent of Police, O/o.The Superintendent of Police, Dindigul District.

¶3The Deputy Superintendent Of Police, Nilakottai Division, Nilakottai, Dindigul District.

¶4The Sub Inspector of Police, Viruveedu Police Station, Viruveedu, Dindigul District.

¶5The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai.

L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J. Sm Dated

17.06.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 17.06.2026 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI K.Ramachandran ... Petitioner Vs. 1. The Tahsildar, Nilakottai Taluk, Dindigul District. 2. The Superintendent of Police, O/o.The Superintendent of Police, Dindigul District. 3. The Deputy Superintendent Of Police, Nilakottai Division, Nilakottai, Dindigul District. 4. The Sub Inspector of Police, Viruveedu Police Station, Viruveedu, Dindigul District. 5. P.Venkatraman 6. S.Manikandan ... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 to 4 to consider the petitioner's representation dated 26.05.2026 and take immediate, permanent measures to restrict and relocate the installation of Speaker box and loudspeakers away from petitioner's residence at No.1/405, K.Meenachipuram Village during all festivals and ensuring strict adherence to permissible ambient air quality standards regarding noise under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. For Petitioner : Mr.C.Kannathasan For Respondents : Mr.C.Susikumar (R2 to R4) Government Advocate (Crl.Side) Ms.M.R.Priyanka Jothi (R1) Government Advocate (Civil) Mr.CVKM.Gopinath (R5 & R6)