The Bombay High Court in January 2016 directed the state government to start a website and mobile application where citizens can register complaints about noise pollution in their areas. The court has also set a deadline of two months.

A division bench of justice Abhay Oka and justice CV Bhadang said: "It is a complete failure on part of the authorities that even after the court orders only 50 offences were registered in the state during the Navratri and Diwali festivals. This depicts a sorry state of affairs."

The court, while giving the directions, also told the government to consider allowing anonymous complaints which would encourage more citizens to lodge complaints. The court said: "Unless action is taken against offenders there will be no implementation."

The court also directed the government to provide decible meter readers at police stations. As per the affidavit filed by the home department, an additional 1,843 meters are required to help the policemen.

The court also suggested the government to direct policemen to carry out random checks during processions and festivals to implement noise pollution rules.

Government pleader Abhinandan Vagyani assured the court that orders of the court and the rules would be implemented and necessary steps will be taken.

The court gave the direction while hearing a public interest litigation filed by Thane resident Mahesh Bedekar raising concerns over noise pollution rules and norms not being followed during festivals. The court has now directed the government to file a compliance report by April 6.