ANJUNA: While all night parties across the Northern belt continue flouting every rule unabashedly, it is very clear the High Court directions are not just being flouted but insulted.
The directions were clear. But the violations of those directions are appalling. Shockingly this potential double contempt has happened after the HC gave directions in a contempt petition of earlier orders.
Based on allegations of non-compliance with the directions issued by the High Court in judgment and order dated 04/07/2022, in PIL Writ Petition No. 876 of 2022(F), a contempt petition was filed by Arnold D’Sa Vs Mamu Hage, Collector North Goa.
What did the court direct in response to the contempt petition?
North Goa Collector to ensure that there is strict compliance with the Noise Pollution Rules, the action plan and the orders made by this Court from time to time on the issue of noise pollution.
“The respondent( Collector North Goa/ the government) should also consider the issue of compliance with the various orders made by us from time to time and the orders made by the Hon’ble Supreme Court on the issue of noise pollution.”
What was the reality in Anjuna and surrounding areas during the long Independence Day weekend
Parties were organised and held at over 20 venues from August 11 to beyond Independence Day.
Each party poster had the names of many foreign DJs. It is highly unlikely that each is here on a proper work visa and if the establishment they are playing has excise and other licences.
International DJs
One party called ‘Sounds of Ocean Bliss’*: advertised DJs from Iran, France, Russia, Japan, Spain, of course India
One venue DUBKI* had a poster announcing four 5 days of parties Off the radar venues
There was one party in ‘Banana Forest’ Vagator. It needs to be confirmed in which category is this venue registered. But that didn’t stop it from doing a ‘Grooves with azadi’ party on 14/15 August starting at 7.30 pm. It is obvious that this was an all-night party because the poster didn’t mention August 14 and August 15 but a joint Aug 14/15. It has live acts by Cyber Ahgori, Fibre Stomp, Vial, etc.
Saving the best for the last: The Morjim Music Festival ‘started’ at 10 pm
This music festival held on August 12 and 13 took it a step further and announced on its poster ‘Start at 10 pm’, the time when all outdoor music has to stop. It boasted of musical acts by Levar, Chido, Lucy, Carbon Coat, etc.
All this is a way of the rave party bosses saying telling the High Court that it needs to party first.
