Under the leadership of Sh. Swapan Sharma, IPS, Commissioner of Police Jalandhar, Commissionerate Police Jalandhar has launched a comprehensive crackdown on the use of modified silencers. While the government has prohibited the use of these silencers, some individuals continue to install them without regard for the consequences. The loud, thumping sounds produced by modified silencers have become a trend among certain groups, especially among the youth, who view them as a style statement.
Background
In India, the use of modified silencers is illegal and can result in significant fines and imprisonment. According to Section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act, fitting modified silencers on vehicles is punishable by a fine of up to Rs. 10,000 and imprisonment of up to six months. Furthermore, Section 194F of the Motor Vehicles Act specifies that driving a vehicle with an exhaust cut-out, which diverts gases outside the silencer, is punishable by a fine of Rs. 1,000 for the first offense and Rs. 2,000 for subsequent offenses.
Modified silencers contribute heavily to noise pollution, which can negatively affect vulnerable groups, including children, medical patients, and senior citizens. In some cases, modified silencers can produce sound levels as high as 95–100 decibels, which is louder than the typical noise of a bus horn, which averages around 92–94 decibels.
Health Impacts
Research indicates that prolonged exposure to high noise levels can lead to various health issues, such as increased stress, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and in severe cases, hearing impairment. Commissionerate Police has emphasized that this initiative is not only about enforcing the law but also about protecting public health and creating a safer, more peaceful urban environment.
Action Taken
Over the past three months, Commissionerate Police has intensified patrolling efforts, setting up numerous checkpoints (nakas) across Jalandhar to monitor and curb the use of modified silencers. In last 3 months, 206 Bullet motorcycles have been impounded. This serve as a warning to those who support illegal modifications by holding them accountable under the law. As a further measure, Police has also destroyed seized silencers by bulldozing them, reinforcing their commitment to eradicating this issue.
Awareness Campaigns
Commissionerate Police is also engaging with local communities to raise awareness about the hazards of modified silencers. Through social media, print media, Police is educating the public on the adverse effects of noise pollution and encouraging responsible vehicle use.
Addressing Eve-Teasing and Noise Pollution Reduction
Commissionerate Police is also addressing the issue of eve-teasing, as modified silencers have become associated with such behaviour. By curbing the use of these silencers, the initiative also aims to reduce noise pollution, as these modified motorcycles are often used unnecessarily.
Future Steps
Looking forward, Commissionerate Police plans to continue monitoring workshops involved in illegal modifications and take strict action against repeat offenders. Further efforts may include introducing stricter regulations on vehicle modifications and additional checkpoints.