Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, replying to a starred question by Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai, said the government is considering filing a review petition in the Supreme Court to seek relaxation of the 10 pm sound curfew. The proposal is aimed at allowing music beyond this time, especially for beach shacks, restaurants, outdoor wedding venues, and tourism-related events in Goa.
However, Congress MLA Adv Carlos Alvares has said that seeking a review without amending the existing notification will not hold up in the Supreme Court. He has suggested that the government should first submit a proposal to the Union Ministry to amend the notification, and only then think about relaxing the curfew for the mentioned activities.
The state government needs to take this matter seriously. The 10 pm music ban has not only affected Goa’s tourism industry and traditional festivals, but also local weddings. Many couples are now forced to end their celebrations by 10 or 11 pm, sending guests home early and disappointed, even after spending lakhs on bands and other arrangements planned months in advance for their once-in-a-lifetime weddings.
