Loud music from apartment (bangalore)
Anand
(Querist) 14 April 2015
This query is : Resolved
Dear Experts,
I am a Resident of a Bangalore apartment complex and fond of playing music which I enjoy with my family.
Every time I turn up the volume my neighbor (apartment below mine) complains that I am playing too loud and ask me to reduce volume because it is disturbing them, and they argue that peace of mind is their legal right.
I wanted to know if there is a law in Bangalore/Karnataka for Apartments which defines how loud sound (music/tv) can be played or is there a restriction on loud sound within an apartment.
A friend told me up to -20 decibels can be played but I could not find any legal documentation on the Internet for this.
regards
RPA
prabhakar singh
(Expert) 14 April 2015
To listen music is your right but you can not disturb others or force them to listen music or to do whatever you like.
Like you others too have right and choices.
Whether or not you are disturbing others is a matter of prob.
Unless societies have regulated specifically in this regard,law and rules would of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986);and the-Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 as amended up to date.
ajay sethi
(Expert) 14 April 2015
playing of loud music that can cause disturbance to your neighbours is not your legal right . your neighbour can lodge police complaint against you for playing loud music
the Sc has held The noise polluters have no regard for the inconvenience and discomfort of people in the vicinity," and chastised them saying, "no one can claim a right to create noise even in his own premises which would travel beyond his precincts and cause nuisance to neighbours and others".
ajay sethi
(Expert) 14 April 2015
The police can prepare a kalandara (report recorded in non-cognizable cases) under the Environment Protection Act and produce the accused in court. The offender will have to shell out Rs.5,000 unless he or she wants to challenge the charges,'' the officer added.
Under the Environment Protection Act, the minimum penalty for contravention or violation of any provision is an imprisonment for a term extending up to five years or fine up to Rs.1 lakh, or both. It also provides for further penalty if the failure or contravention continues after the date of conviction.
If the failure of contravention continues beyond a period of one year, then the offender is punished with imprisonment for a term up to seven years.
R.K Nanda
(Expert) 14 April 2015
play music within reasonable volume so that others are not disturbed.
Guest
(Expert) 14 April 2015
Well advised.
DR.VEDULA GOPINATH
(Expert) 14 April 2015
I agree with Mr.Ajay Sathi.
Sound Pollution is an offence as per Environmental Protection Laws anywhere not only in Bangalore.
You have a right to play music but not at the inconvenience and disturbance of your other residents.
Rights and duties shall go together. You have a right to play music in your own house and you are having duty that other neighbors shall enjoy their own rights, peace and live in undisturbed situation.
Good wishes
dr vedula gopinath
M/s. Y-not legal services
(Expert) 14 April 2015
yes. as per your admission you causing sound pollution and causing nuisance to your neighbor..
T. Kalaiselvan, Advocate 
(Expert) 22 April 2015
Agree with the experts. Be in your limit, respect others feelings as well, do not invite trouble lest face the consequences that are very much available in the law.
