Cuttack, Feb 13: The Orissa High Court has imposed a complete ban on the use of laser lights in wedding processions within Cuttack city and directed that noise levels must not exceed 65 decibels. The court has also ordered that no wedding procession shall be taken out after 10:00 PM.

Issuing the directive, the High Court instructed all Inspectors-in-Charge (IICs) of police stations to ensure strict enforcement of the order. The court further clarified that any violation of the directive would make the concerned local IIC accountable.

The order was passed during a hearing on Thursday, where members of the Advocate Committee alleged large-scale violations of noise pollution norms during wedding processions. In the absence of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Additional DCP Sudarshan Das appeared before the court through virtual mode and informed that necessary instructions had already been issued to all police station officials to comply with the court’s earlier directions.

However, expressing dissatisfaction over the response, the Advocate Committee members pressed for stricter enforcement, prompting the court to reiterate and strengthen its directive.

The matter is being pursued by the President of the High Court Bar Association and senior advocate Manoj Kumar Mishra, along with senior advocate Bijay Kumar Dash and other lawyers.