As the Bombay High Court at Goa was informed that operations at nightclub ‘Diaz’ in Anjuna had been suspended, Justice Bharati Dangre questioned the relevance of CCTV surveillance in monitoring noise levels.
“How can CCTVs provide decibel readings?” asked Justice Dangre during the hearing of a contempt petition related to noise pollution, where Amicus Curiae Nigel Costa Frias said that establishments with consent to operate from the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) were required to submit proof of CCTV and noise monitoring system installations.
Costa Frias explained that under Supreme Court orders, “no music can be played in open areas after 10 pm,” and while the police claim no violations occur, citizens complain otherwise. “CCTV footage can show if places remain open or people are dancing—indicating music is playing,” he said.
Justice Dangre, however, remained unconvinced. “People could be in restaurants after ten. This being a case related to noise pollution after 10, how will a CCTV help monitor whether a place is playing loud music. CCTV is not an instrument to indicate whether noise decibels have been breached,” she said.
The Amicus Curiae argued that timestamps on footage can at least help verify whether parties continued beyond the legal cutoff time, countering police claims of compliance. “It’s about establishing the facts,” he said.
GSPCB counsel Manish Salkar, appearing online, informed the court that Diaz had been directed to suspend operations pending further inquiry. “If some units are shut down for violating the Air Act, it could act as a deterrent,” said Justice Dangre.
The GSPCB’s affidavit confirmed action against Diaz (a unit of P&P Food Corporation), located in Gaum Vaddi, Anjuna, and called on the operator to appear for a hearing on June 20 to show cause why their ‘Consent to Operate’ should not be revoked.
When the petitioner questioned why action was limited to one establishment, Justice Dangre instructed, “Compile all violations and submit them to the Amicus Curiae.”
The court was also informed that several establishments along the Baga coast continue to disturb religious institutions, including Xavier Retreat House, which has joined the case as an intervenor. The retreat house submitted records of seven unanswered complaints made between June 9 and 17 to the Calangute Police and other authorities.
Justice Dangre directed the impleadment of the Calangute Police Inspector in the case, noting that repeated complaints had gone unaddressed.
“This case is going on with directions being issued on suggestions and recommendations and this is taking too long,” said Justice Dangre, ordering the Amicus Curiae to present a synopsis of all directions issued so far and their compliance status at the next hearing on July 14.