Hyderabad Mayor Booked for DJ Use, Faces Backlash Over Sword Display at Bathukamma Event

The Hyderabad mayor argued with the police that they be allowed to play the music given it’s Bathukamma.

Hyderabad: During the Bathukamma celebrations on October 10, Hyderabad Mayor Gadwal Vijaylaxmi found herself in hot water for using a DJ in violation of noise regulations. The event, held at NBT Nagar in Banjara Hills, included folk dances and speeches, but took a turn when local police arrived, asking the organizers to shut down the DJ. Despite the mayor arguing that music should be allowed since it was a Bathukamma celebration, the police left without further action, sensing the situation might escalate.

Later, however, the Banjara Hills police filed a suo motu case against Vijaylaxmi and two other organizers for violating noise control regulations. Hyderabad police have banned DJs and firecrackers during religious events, allowing sound systems only if they stay within prescribed decibel levels to minimize noise pollution and ensure safety.

Adding fuel to the controversy, the mayor also posted a video on social media showing her wielding a sword during the event, encouraging women and girls to do the same. This gesture, made while commenting on people calling the police over the loud music, received backlash for its provocative tone.

Despite her defense, the mayor’s actions have drawn criticism from various quarters, especially since the city’s regulations are meant to protect public peace during festivals.

Earlier on 11 October, Hyderabad Dandiya Organisers Arrested for Violating DJ Ban, Face ₹1 Lakh Fine

Hyderabad: The Uppal police arrested three organizers of a Dandiya event for using a DJ system, which violated the city’s ban on such equipment, causing public nuisance and environmental violations. The organizers, identified as K. Dhileep Kumar, Goshika Yash, and P. Shivashankar Reddy, held the Dandiya event near the GHMC grounds in Uppal.

Uppal Station House Officer, N. Election Reddy, stated that the trio violated the Environmental Protection Act by setting up a DJ system, despite a ban. The ban on DJs carries a fine of ₹1 lakh. After investigation, the accused will be presented before the court, where the fine may be imposed. The police are cracking down on such violations to maintain environmental regulations and ensure public peace.

Earlier, Hyderabad Police and Rachakonda Police Bans DJ Systems, Sound Amplifiers, and Firecrackers During Religious Processions

Hyderabad: The use of DJ Sound Systems, Mixers, Sound Amplifiers, and Other High Sound Generating Equipment capable of producing or reproducing sound is prohibited during religious processions within Hyderabad City limits. This regulation, issued by the Telangana Police Department, addresses the rise in noise pollution caused by these systems during large-scale religious events, which has led to serious health concerns and public complaints. The notification cites the Supreme Court’s 2000 judgment, emphasizing the dangers of noise pollution to health, public order, and peace.

A meeting held on 26.09.2024 with key stakeholders, including procession organizers and government officials, led to a unanimous agreement to enforce these restrictions. The decision stems from increasing risks such as uncontrolled behavior, public disturbances, and incidents like a fire during a religious procession on 19.09.2024. This ban aims to maintain public safety, reduce health risks, and ensure peaceful religious observances.

Ban on usage of DJ in Rachakonda Commissionerate#CP_Rachakonda Sri. Sudheer Babu, IPS, has issued an order prohibiting the use of DJ sound system in religious processions under the jurisdiction of #RachakondaPoliceCommissionerate as per the orders of the State Government.

The… pic.twitter.com/fZLYEojKRF
— Rachakonda Police (@RachakondaCop) October 2, 2024

Key Points:

Prohibition: DJ Sound Systems, Mixers, Sound Amplifiers, and other high sound-generating equipment are banned during religious processions within Hyderabad City limits, as per a notification issued on 30.09.2024.
Health & Safety Risks: Use of these systems has significantly increased, leading to noise pollution and health risks, such as hearing damage, mental stress, and even serious injuries like brain hemorrhages.
Public Complaints: There has been a rise in complaints from the public, particularly about disturbances in residential areas, affecting the elderly and children’s education.
Recent Incident: On 19.09.2024, a generator used for a DJ system caught fire during a procession at Charminar, highlighting the potential dangers.
Supreme Court Reference: The Hon’ble Supreme Court’s 2000 judgment emphasized the harmful effects of noise pollution on health and public order.
Consensus: A roundtable discussion with political leaders and procession organizers on 26.09.2024 led to unanimous agreement to enforce strict measures against the use of DJ systems and firecrackers during processions.
Enforcement: Strict actions will be taken to ensure compliance with these regulations for public safety and order.

The use of DJ Sound Systems & Mixers, Sound Amplifiers & Other High Sound Generators which is capable of producing/reproducing sounds are prohibited during religious processions in #Hyderabad City limits, notified by @CPHydCity #SayYestodevotionNotopollution #DJFreeHyderabad pic.twitter.com/voGqHKIUrI
— Hyderabad City Police (@hydcitypolice) October 1, 2024