"According to the existing norms as prescribed by the Union government 50 is the minimum decibel level and anything above that is considered as exceeding normal noise level. However, a normal conversation between two persons is also above 55 decibel," a division bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice N M Jamdar said.
The bench using sound monitoring devices observed that normal arguments in the court exceeded 50 decibel.
"Is 50 decibel level realistic? What is the basis on which these norms were formed? What were the parameters? Is the union government ready to have a relook at them?" the chief justice asked.
The bench has directed additional solicitor general Kevic Setalvad to state the Union government's reply on the next date of hearing on December 11.
The court considering the ensuing Diwali festival also suggested the Centre to ban those fire crackers which will exceed 100 decibel level. The bench was then informed that the Supreme Court in 2005 had already passed an order in this regard.
The bench also said that it was considering to set up a committee comprising officials from different government departments and the civic body to look into the issue of noise pollution and whether or not permission can be given to an organiser to hold cultural events and what conditions should be imposed.
"It is not possible and desirable for the court to decide each and every application filed before it seeking permission to hold certain festivals. A committee needs to be formed to look into this issue," the court said.
Following numerous applications filed before the court seeking permissions to hold cultural and political rallies in silence zones after the civic body and police deny permission, the court suggested for a committee to be formed which will consider such applications.
