A band performs in Bhubaneswar. Telegraph picture

Cuttack, Nov. 3: Orissa High Court today allowed orchestra groups, melody parties and band parties to operate without sound limiters for another month.

The orchestra groups, melody troupes and band parties can now be a part of the Kali Puja and Diwali festivities without sound limiters.

The high court had, on September 6, granted a temporary reprieve to them from mandatory use of sound limiters by allowing relaxation by one month due to the non-availability of sound limiters. Consequently, they could become a part of the Ganesh Puja and Dussehra festivals and immersion ceremonies.

The Orissa Melody Association (OMA) has filed a fresh petition citing their plight due to the non-availability of sound limiters. The petition was taken up for hearing today by the two-judge bench of justice B.P. Das and justice M.M. Das.

As use of sound limiters had been made mandatory, the musicians were unable to take up contracts for the Kali Puja festival. Their association pleaded before the court seeking further relaxation till availability of sound limiters.

Responding to the plea, the two-judge bench extended the relief to operate without sound limiters by another month. “But, the relief on the performance by musicians was extended on the condition that all sound pollution norms will be adhered to and sound levels will be managed within the permissible limit of 65 decibels,” OMA counsel Gopal Krushna Mohanty said.

The orchestra groups, melody parties and band parties had also been ordered to submit affidavits for maintaining sound limits below 65 decibels.

The court had also given a free hand to the police to initiate action if the musicians violate the sound pollution norms by putting sound levels beyond the permissible limit.

Earlier, the high court had directed the Orissa State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) to receive the applications for sound limiters from band parties, orchestra groups and melody troupes, and coordinate supply of the gadgets by procuring them from a Calcutta-based firm.

The OSPCB had initiated the process and the Calcutta-based firm had assured to supply of gadgets after receiving bulk order of more than 500. But, sources said the supply process is time consuming.