The Punjab Instruments (Control of Noises) Act, 1956

1) This Act may be called the Punjab Instruments (Control of Noises) Act, 1956. (2) It shall come into force in such areas of the Principal territories and on such dates as the state Government, may by notification in the Official Gazette. direct and in the transferred territories on the 3rd April, 1957.

In this Act, unless there is any thing repugnant in the subject or context- "Instrument" means a loud-speaker, an amplifier and such other apparatus for the play of sounds as may be declared to be an instrument under this Act by the State Government.

[i] in or upon any premises at such a pitch or volume as to be audible beyond the precincts thereof ; or (ii) in or upon any street or bmar or open space, except under the written permission of the District Magistrate or any officer authorised by him in this behalf and under such conditions as may bc attached to it.]

No person shall use or operate any instrument between ten O'clock in the night and six o'clock in the morning except with the written permission of the District Magistrate or any officer authorised by him in this behalf and under such conditions as may bc attached to it.

No permission under section 3 or section 4 shall be given unless the application for permission bears a court fee stamp of the value calculated at the rate of seven rupees and fifty paise for every day or part thereof in respect of which the permission is sought: Provided that where the permission is either refused or given for a period which is less than the one applied for, the amount of fee shall be refunded wholly or proportionately as the case may be.

Whoever contravenes the provisions of the Act shall be liable to be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees or with both.

Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, an offence punishable under this Act shall be cognizable.