Six DJ Owners Booked Over Alleged Rule Violation During Ganesh Procession

Six cases have been registered in Hubballi Dharwad following allegations that DJs were used beyond permitted limits during Ganesh idol processions. Police reportedly registered cases against six DJ owners and operators for alleged violations of noise pollution regulations.

The cases were reported from areas including the Hubballi APMC police station limits, Vidyagiri in Dharwad and other parts of the twin cities. The action has now become a political issue, with opposition BJP leaders questioning the governments approach to regulating sound during religious events.

The police action came after authorities monitored the use of DJ systems during the Ganesh processions. The cases are based on allegations that the sound systems were operated in violation of applicable noise regulations.

The issue drew a strong response from BJP leaders, including Assembly Opposition Leader R Ashoka and Legislative Council Opposition Leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy. Both leaders criticised the registration of cases and questioned whether similar action was being taken in other situations involving loud sound.

Ashoka alleged that the government was applying different standards to different religious activities. He questioned whether notices had been issued to mosques over the use of loudspeakers for the Azaan and raised concerns about restrictions imposed on Hindu processions.

His remarks also extended into broader criticism of the Congress government. Ashoka alleged that the governments approach was contributing to dissatisfaction among sections of Hindus and claimed that similar political consequences could be seen in Karnataka.

Chalavadi Narayanaswamy also criticised the police action against the DJ owners. He questioned why cases were being registered when DJs were used during Ganesh celebrations and alleged that the government could eventually impose restrictions on people organising Ganesh festivities.

The BJP leaders comments have added a political dimension to what began as a police action concerning noise regulations. The opposition has framed the cases as an issue of religious fairness, while the police action is officially connected to alleged violations of noise pollution rules.

The dispute also comes amid wider political arguments in Karnataka over religious processions, public celebrations and the enforcement of regulations. Authorities routinely face the challenge of balancing festival activities with restrictions intended to control excessive noise and maintain public order.

The six cases will now be subject to the normal legal process. The registration of a case does not by itself establish that the accused have committed the alleged violations, and further proceedings will determine the facts.

The controversy is likely to continue as political leaders debate how noise regulations should be enforced during religious events. For now, the cases against the six DJ owners and operators remain at the centre of the dispute in Hubballi Dharwad.