Affidavit submitted by Police surprises Bengaluru High Court

BENGALURU: The residents belonging to Indiranagar have been complaining about blaring music past midnight at the pubs and restaurants which are located in their neighbourhood. But according to the affidavit that had been submitted to the Karnataka high court states that, police are inspecting these establishments for violations only late afternoons and evenings.

A division bench which was headed by Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka observed, "When the petitioners' specific case is that music is being played after midnight, how come police undertake inspections only between 4-6 PM and 8-9 PM? Why can't they go after 12.30 PM? This is nothing but a callous approach on their part."

The bench was surprised looking at inspection reports, as one of the documents where the inspection time was mentioned as 12.35 PM. The bench asked counsel whether it was AM or PM and said that, the police have filed reports without even verifying the documents.

"This is nothing but defiance. You say police have accompanied KSPCB officials, but nowhere has any officer signed the reports. We will never tolerate such mischief ..," the bench warned.

It added, if this approach continues, it may have to direct the personal appearance of the city police commissioner with an affidavit stating how he plans to deal with the issue.

The senior advocate AS Ponnanna, told the court that police used six devices to measure noise levels in Indiranagar area. The court is hearing a PIL filed by Defence Colony residents welfare association and other RWAs.