Special Correspondent
Panaji: The government is considering filing of a review petition before the Supreme Court against the present ban on playing music in the state after 10 pm.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant informed the House that the government will explore if the sound restrictions beyond 10 pm can be relaxed for tourism-related events and businesses, local weddings and other functions while staying within the legal framework and without violating the Supreme Court verdict. He said the related cases filed by environmentalists form the main problem in the matter.
Minister for Environment Aleixo Sequeira said consultations with senior Delhi lawyers are underway in this respect. “We want relaxation in this restriction due to tourism-related events and weddings taking place in the state,” he said.
Speaking further, Sawant said that for events organised inside closed premises, no one will stop the music, provided no one outside the premises gets disturbed.
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai, who raised the query during the Question Hour, complained about police intervention during private functions to stop music being played on occasions and at events.
Stating that the ban negatively impacts Goa’s tourism and wedding industry, Sardesai said Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced in the 2024 budget for Karnataka that business establishments in Bengaluru would be allowed to operate till 1 am. He further urged the Goa government to adopt the same model.
