AUGUSTO RODRIGUES
PORVORIM: In a stern warning to noise polluters in the coastal areas of Vagator and Anjuna, Justice MS Karnik of the Bombay High Court at Goa has made it clear that the time for excuses is over, signaling swift action will follow for those violating noise pollution regulations.
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During a hearing on Wednesday, Justice Karnik questioned Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) advocate Manish Salkar, asking, “There are so many complaints—what are you doing about it?” This comes as Amicus Curiae, advocate Costa Frias, informed the court that loud music should not be allowed after 10 pm.
The court’s attention was drawn to a list of 52 units suspected of breaching noise pollution rules. After reviewing records provided by applicant Desmond Alvares and the Anjuna Police Station, Amicus Curiae narrowed down the list to 21 establishments allegedly violating the regulations.
According to Frias, the 21 locations – such as Purple Martini, Hill Top Hotel, Howling Wolves, Curlies and others – have been repeatedly mentioned in complaints, with records aligning with police reports. “I have cross-checked the names submitted by the petitioner with complaints at Anjuna Police Station, and 21 establishments match,” Frias stated.
Justice Karnik expressed concern over the apparent lack of action, stating, “We are giving orders, yet it seems nothing is being done. There is definitely something amiss here.” He further emphasized that CCTV footage from these venues should be provided to clarify the situation.
GSPCB’s Salkar defended the board’s actions, stating, “We have not received any complaints. Whenever we detect breaches, we inform the police and Collector via email.” However, Justice Karnik remained unconvinced, stressing the need for concrete evidence. “You say nothing is happening, but we’ll get to the truth from the CCTV,” he asserted.
Amicus Curiae also raised concerns about possible manipulation in the Anjuna Police Station’s live monitoring system. “The police were receiving data from four establishments for eight hours, but for the other five, the readings were arbitrary,” Frias informed the court. Justice Karnik expressed frustration, questioning, “Why is this happening? How can there be no noise when the system is clearly malfunctioning?”
Calls for action intensified, with Frias urging the court to order monitoring of these 21 establishments to ensure music is stopped by 10 PM for a period of two weeks. In response, the GSPCB advocate emphasized the importance of adhering to existing laws, but Justice Karnik appeared unimpressed. “No music after 10 PM? Nothing at all?” he asked in disbelief.
Further discussion revealed that complaints were particularly frequent against certain venues, including Purple Martini, Salud, Diaz, and Hill Top. Frias also pointed out that Purple Martini continues to operate despite a GCZMA order for its demolition. Justice Karnik assured he would review the necessary documents related to the demolition.
The court was also informed about a letter from the Anjuna Panchayat, dated December 30, 2024, to the police GSPCB and Deputy Collector urging the authorities to file a report on the actions taken to address the issue.
