Notify Shivaji Park as silence zone: High Court

MUMBAI: In an interim order, the Bombay High Court directed the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai to notify Shivaji Park ground in western Mumbai as "silence zone".

The park is the venue of Shiv Sena's annual Dussehra rally, apart from political rallies of other parties.

The court said that programmes can be held at the park only on December 6 (death anniversary of Dr Ambedkar), May 1 (Maharashtra-state foundation day) and on January 26.

The order came in response to the PIL filed by city-based Wecom Trust.

The petitioners had contended that since there were several schools and religious places within the radius of 100 metre, the area should be declared as Silence Zone as per the Noise Pollution Rules, 2000.

No loudspeakers can be used in such areas, so the order will make it difficult for political parties to hold rallies at the park as long as the interim order is in effect.

The hearing in the case has been adjourned till June 16.