APHC010472012025 IN THE HIGH COURT OF ANDHRA PRADESH AT AMARAVATI WP(PIL) NO: 174 of 2025 Bench Sr.No:-14 [3552] Vinnakota Vara Prasad ...Petitioner Vs. Union Of India and Others ...Respondent(s) ********** Advocate for Petitioner: Mr. V.N.V.Surya Dattu Advocate(s) for Respondent(s): GP for Home Mr. S.V.S.S.Sivaram, SC For VMC CORAM : THE CHIEF JUSTICE DHIRAJ SINGH THAKUR SRI JUSTICE CHALLA GUNARANJAN DATE : 18th March 2026 P C : The issue that was highlighted in the present PIL was with regard to the user of loudspeakers at traffic junctions in the city of Vijayawada instead of using an Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS), which would otherwise be sufficient to control and regulate an orderly flow of traffic of vehicles as also regulate the pedestrian movement. 2. The stand of the official respondents, as also reflected in the affidavit is that at certain traffic junctions, which experience heavy traffic movement, it becomes necessary to use loudspeakers during some periods of the day. It is stated that the use of loudspeakers in other junctions would be discontinued after full-fledged Intelligent Traffic Management System is installed. 2 HCJ & CGR, J W.P.(PIL) No: 174 of 2025 It is also the stand of the official respondents that sound levels, which are emitted from the user of these speaker systems, are otherwise within the permissible limit. 3. In our order, dated 10.12.2025, we have observed that the user of loudspeakers is quite archaic especially when modern traffic control systems were available. We also observed that it would be appropriate for the Police authorities and the State Government to ensure smooth traffic movement at busy intersections as were identified by the official respondents with the use of ITMS. As many as 17 junctions are stated to have been provided with ITMS. 4. In the affidavit, the stand taken now is that the busiest traffic junctions i.e., Benz Circle, Ramesh Hospital and Mahanadu Junction have ITMS, which are made functional. Despite the installation of the said ITMS, the traffic police authorities still feel the necessity of using mike with a view to control and regulate the traffic movement, which at times, on account of undisciplined drivers or pedestrian movement, creates chaos. It is also stated that high pedestrian movement during peak hours due to educational institutions, hospitals and commercial establishments require the user of such mikes. It is also stated that the public address system is being controlled and operated only between 8 A.M. and 11 A.M. in the morning and between 4 P.M. and 8 P.M in the evening. It is also stated that the public address systems are not being operated during night hours i.e., between 10 P.M. and 6 A.M. 3 HCJ & CGR, J W.P.(PIL) No: 174 of 2025 5. We, however, do not approve of the user of the mike system by traffic policemen at these intersections, inasmuch as those people who live in and around the close vicinity or are conducting their business operations may feel miserable on account of the continuous cacophony of the sound emitted from these loudspeakers throughout the day. We, therefore, direct that no loudspeakers be used at the intersections. It shall be open to the traffic police authorities to depute more traffic police personnel to man the traffic at these busy intersections with a view to ensure smooth flow of traffic through these junctions. The Writ Petition (PIL) is, accordingly, disposed of. No costs. Pending miscellaneous applications, if any, shall stand closed. DHIRAJ SINGH THAKUR, CJ CHALLA GUNARANJAN, J akn 4 HCJ & CGR, J W.P.(PIL) No: 174 of 2025 HON’BLE MR.JUSTICE DHIRAJ SINGH THAKUR, CHIEF JUSTICE & HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE CHALLA GUNARANJAN Writ Petition (PIL) No:174 of 2025 DATE : 18.03.2026 AKN 67