(2)

A loud speaker or a public address system shall not be used at night (between 10.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m.) except in closed premises for communication within, e.g.,auditoria, conference rooms, community halls and banquet halls.

(3)

[ Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rule (2), the State Government may, subject to such terms and conditions as are necessary to reduce noise pollution, permit use of loud speakers or public address systems and the like during night hours (between 10.00 p.m. to 12.00 midnight) on or during any cultural, religious or festive occasion of a limited duration not exceeding fifteen days in all during a calendar year and the concerned State Government or District Authority in respect of its jurisdiction as authorised by the concerned State Government shall generally specify in advance, the number and particulars of the days on which such exemption should be operative.

Explanation. - For the purposes of this sub-rule, the expressions-

(i) "festive occasion " shall include any National function or State function as notifed by the Central Government or State Government; and

(ii) "National function or State function "shall include "-

(A) Republic Day;

(B) Independence day;

(C) State Day; or

(D) such other day as notified by the Central Government or the State Government.]