Rawalpindi Court Mandates Police Crackdown on Hawkers' Unlawful Use of Loudspeakers
A local court in Rawalpindi has issued a directive to city police, ordering them to initiate legal proceedings against street hawkers for the unauthorized use of loudspeakers and megaphones in residential neighborhoods. This judicial intervention aims to address growing public complaints about noise pollution and its adverse effects on community well-being.
Court Order Details and Police Response
Additional District and Sessions Judge Maqsoob Ahmed Qureshi released the order on Monday, which had been reserved since January 21. The court specifically instructed the Station House Officer (SHO) of the R.A. Bazaar police station to enforce the law against the misuse of sound amplification devices. In their written response to the court, police authorities disclosed that five criminal cases have already been registered against hawkers for employing megaphones. They emphasized that enforcement actions are being conducted continuously to prevent further violations of legal statutes.
Petitioner's Grievances and Health Concerns
The petition was filed by Advocate Anwar Dar, who highlighted that despite submitting multiple applications to the city police officer and the deputy commissioner of Rawalpindi, no effective measures had been taken to curb the issue. The petitioner, described as an elderly individual with poor health, suffers from chronic heart conditions and paralysis. He argued that hawkers, who sell a variety of items such as vegetables and household utensils, routinely use megaphones while operating motorcycles, bike-rickshaws, and pushcarts in the densely populated Ghaziabad locality. This area falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board, exacerbating the problem due to its narrow streets and high population density.
Impact on Residents and Legal Framework
The persistent use of megaphones has caused significant mental distress not only to the petitioner but also to other residents, including patients, senior citizens, and students. The issue is particularly severe during daytime hours when noise levels peak in confined urban spaces. Counsel for the petitioner further contended that the misuse of loudspeakers and megaphones constitutes a cognisable and non-bailable offence under the Pakistan Sound System (Regulation) Act, 2015. This legal provision underscores the seriousness of the violation and the necessity for stringent enforcement to protect public health and tranquility.
This court directive underscores the judiciary's role in addressing urban noise pollution and ensuring that law enforcement agencies take proactive steps to uphold public order. It also highlights the broader implications for community health and legal compliance in densely populated areas like Rawalpindi.
