New Delhi, April 17 -- The Delhi Police on Thursday issued a standing order making it mandatory to obtain prior written permission before using loudspeakers or public address systems anywhere in the city.

The directive, aligned with the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, outlines specific restrictions on sound levels and usage timing to regulate public and private noise pollution.

According to the order, no loudspeaker, sound-producing instrument, musical instrument, or sound amplifier shall be used during night hours except within closed premises such as auditoriums, conference rooms, community halls, and banquet halls, or in cases of public emergency.

The use of such sound equipment in any public space now requires writt...