The High Court last week has reportedly directed the Superintendent of Police of both districts to act against those playing loud music beyond 10 pm with permission. It must be said that noise pollution as a result of playing loud music throughout the night creates a lot of problems for the local population living in the vicinity, especially along the coastal belt.
Hence noise pollution needs to be dealt with seriously. However, on the flip side music forms an integral part of a wedding reception, especially in the Catholic community. The reception could continue till the stipulated time for playing loud music which is 10 pm. It is pertinent to note that the wedding reception could commence much beyond the stipulated time with the guests arriving late.
With all the ceremonies like the cutting of the wedding cake, raising of the toast and other speeches taking place, hardly any time is left for the band to play music if they have to wind up by 10 pm. The hosts could be spending substantially for the band and may not get their money’s worth if the music has to stop by the stipulated time. It would thus be desirable for the authorities to give permission to play music till midnight for wedding receptions.
It is pertinent to note that most of the wedding halls in Goa are located at secluded spots far from residential areas and hence the loud music will not disturb the citizens as is the case along the coastal belt.
