If you are super annoyed by your neighbour making loud noises all the time that disturb your health, work, or life in general, then of course, you can take legal action against them. Let’s have a look at some laws against noisy neighbours in India, that give you the power to stop your noisy neighbour.
What Are The Laws That Specifically Talk About Noise Pollution In India?
In India, we have strict rules and regulations to protect people from noise pollution, did you know that already? Well, talking about one of the main laws and that would be the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 which provides comprehensible guidelines on the noise level allowed at various zones like industrial, commercial, residential, and silent zones. For example, in residential zones, the noise level in the daytime should not exceed 55 decibels, but it will be reduced to 45 decibels in the night hours.
These rules also state that the loudspeakers, public address systems, or any sound-amplifying devices must not be used between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. And just so you know, any violation of these rules can result in an immediate stop order, and the police can carry out these rules with those violations.
The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 also considers noise as a kind of air pollution. This Act gives power to both Central and State Pollution Control Boards to install or implement measures for the control of noise pollution and the prevention of it.
So, How Can You File Complaints Against Noisy Neighbours?
If your neighbor is loud enough to make it hard for you to relax at home, you know talking with them is probably the best first step, as they might not be aware of the problem. In case they know that you have a problem with loud noise but they still are causing it, and now just to annoy you, well, you can very well seek legal help.
You can file a complaint with the local police or with your housing society. The police will investigate a noise complaint and can send out a warning or a fine if they determine that the noise level is above legal limits. Ensure to keep records of the times you have experienced it to support your side of the story in court.
Also, with the Police Act of 1861, it does give the police the right to come and control the noise of events happening in public spaces. If you let officials know about public events with excessive noise going on without proper permission, the police can assist in stopping the noise.
And What Is The Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860 All About
Did you know that there is a specific section under IPC talking about loud noises in public spaces? Yes, we are talking about Section 268. It is such a law that defines a public nuisance as a situation where the public’s health, security, or comfort is put in jeopardy as a result of an action. And sure, a public nuisance can be defined as a neighbor’s noise that not only disturbs you but also other people in your surrounding areas.
