The Kerala High Court recently addressed a public interest litigation in which the petitioner was an advocate-litigant seeking relief against noise pollution under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. The Court observed that advocates who pursue social causes also have the opportunity to contribute through the state’s legal aid programme. The Division Bench, comprising the Chief Justice and a sitting judge, remarked that “we actually need advocates in Legal aid. All social causes advocates should also join in legal aid.”
During the admission hearing of the PIL, the Court asked the petitioner to furnish instructions as to whether he would participate in the legal aid programme of the State. The Court also asked the Government Pleader to obtain instructions on the matter. The petition itself sought enforcement of existing legal thresholds for permissible sound levels under prior judicial decisions and regulatory rules, alleging widespread violation of those norms through sound-system operations. The petitioners had submitted documents such as RTI responses from multiple government departments and photographs indicating alleged non-compliance.
In its comments, the Court underscored the importance of socially conscious legal professionals engaging directly in legal aid activities, thereby enhancing access to justice and bolstering the efficacy of legal aid mechanisms. The matter was listed for further hearing on a subsequent date.
This development signals that the High Court is not only reviewing the substantive merits of the PIL, but is also encouraging and facilitating participation of litigants (including advocate-petitioners) in structured programmes designed to promote public interest work and legal aid outreach.
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