Diljit Dosanjh’s concert organisers slapped with ₹25K fine for garbage and noise violations
Diljit Dosanjh’s concert organizers in Chandigarh are facing fresh problems after the municipal corporation (MC) imposed a ₹25,000 fine for leaving the venue in a state of disarray. The penalty comes amid ongoing action from the UT administration, which is addressing complaints regarding the noise limit breach during the event.
According to Hindustan Times, the penalty, issued to M/S SE International Entertainment, stems from a violation of the ‘Solid Waste Management Bylaws 2018’. Although the organisers had paid the garbage cess fee while securing permissions from the civic body, the penalty followed multiple complaints raised by local residents and the councillor. The complaints, directed to the municipal commissioner, highlighted the littering and damage to public property that was evident at the Sector 34 exhibition ground a day after the concert, which took place on December 15.
The councillor pointed out that the organisers did not have permission for December 15 or December 16. Despite this, the venue was left cluttered with garbage, trucks, tents, and other concert-related items. The area also suffered damage, including broken boundary fencing and defacement, leaving the ground in a state of complete disarray.
UT action over noise pollution
The UT administration has taken action against the organisers of Diljit Dosanjh's concert for breaching noise pollution regulations. A report by the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC) revealed that noise levels at the event exceeded the permissible limit of 75 decibels, reaching up to 82 decibels, in violation of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.
The Deputy Commissioner stated that a formal complaint will be filed with the adjudicating officer, who will conduct a hearing and impose penalties. The final decision on further legal action, including filing an FIR, will be determined by the adjudicating officer.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court's involvement in the case stems from a PIL by a Sector 23 resident, raising concerns about noise pollution at concert venues. The court had set a 75-decibel noise limit and mandated penalties for violations, directing police to file FIRs if breaches occurred. It also instructed officials in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh to act promptly on complaints, holding them personally accountable for any violations. Noise pollution was emphasized as punishable under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.