Dileep Nevatia v. Union of India (2016)

A Mumbai resident complained about loud, multi-tone horns and sirens on roads. The NGT said: fix clear standards, limit sirens to real emergencies, and protect quiet zones like homes, schools, and hospitals. The goal is simple—keep noise within legal limits under the 2000 Rules.

• Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 – Rule 4: Noise in any area should not exceed ambient standards in the Schedule. The “authority” must enforce measures to meet these limits.
• Natural Justice & Rule of Law: Use of sirens and multi-tone horns must be regulated; emergency use only, with proper standards and monitoring.

The NGT issued clear directions. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways must notify technical standards for sirens and multi-tone horns. Based on these standards, the State of Maharashtra and the Transport Commissioner must roll out state-level norms and limit such devices to the bare minimum. The Police Commissioner must ensure that private vehicles do not use sirens or multi-tone horns, especially in residential and silent zones, near schools and hospitals, and at night, except in real emergencies. Night-time loudspeaker misuse must also be prevented.

1. Standards First: Clear, national standards are needed for horns and sirens.
2. Emergency-Only Principle: Use must be limited to emergency vehicles and genuine emergencies.
3. Ambient Limits Rule: Authorities must keep noise within the Schedule’s ambient standards.
4. Zone Protection: Silent and residential zones get extra protection; night use is heavily restricted.

The order brings order to road noise. It balances emergency needs with public health. It gives a roadmap: set standards, enforce limits, protect people’s sleep, learning, and health.

• MoRTH to fix siren and horn standards.
• States must implement and limit use to the bare minimum.
• Private sirens are not allowed; quiet zones get priority.
• Night-time and sensitive-area protections are mandatory.

Mnemonic (SIREN): Standards first • In emergencies only • Restrict private use • Enforce ambient limits • Night & silent zones protected.

1. Spot the rule—Noise Rules, 2000 + Rule 4 duties.
2. Identify the actors—MoRTH, State, Police Commissioner.
3. Reason to result—health harms → strict, standard-based control.

Ambient Standards

Maximum permitted noise levels for an area/zone set in the Schedule to the Rules.

Silent Zone

Area near hospitals, schools, courts, etc., where stricter limits apply.

Multi-tone Horn

A horn that emits multiple tones to draw attention; often much louder and more disturbing.