Judgment

( 1 ) WHILE the Union Government is examining certain suggestions made by the learned amicus curiae to control noise pollution, which is admittedly causing health hazards and leading to other avoidable situations, the learned amicus curiae had on 25-9-2001 submitted that in view of the forthcoming dussehra and Diwali festivals, it is desirable to give certain directions, not only with a view to prevent accidents arising out of use of firecrackers, but also to control noise pollution. We had on that date directed learned counsel for the parties to take appropriate instructions.

( 2 ) THE writ petition shall come up for further directions in the second week of December, 2001. However, in the meanwhile, keeping in view submission made by the learned amicus curiae to issue certain directions to control noise pollution arising out of bursting of firecrackers, in view of the forthcoming Dussehra and Diwali and other festivals, it appears appropriate to us to issue the following directions as an interim measure: (7) The Union Government, the Union Territories as well as all the state Governments shall take steps to strictly comply with Notification no. GSR 682 (E) dated 5-10-1999