The Supreme Court on Monday issued a series of guidelines, including restrictions on use of loudspeakers in public places at night to bring down the decibel levels.

A bench comprising Chief Justice R C Lahoti, Justice Ashok Bhan pronounced the judgement banning use of loudspeakers between 2200 hours and 0600 hours in public places.

This order after a long pending petition pertaining to the noise pollution caused by the loudspeakers, generators and vehicles. The petition had sought implementation of laws restricting use of loudspeakers and high-volume sound systems.

The court also issued several guidelines to police on the mode and manner for implementing the laws relating to restriction of the noise pollution as well as the earlier Supreme Court directives.

It also directed the police to restrict the use of pressure horns by vehicles near the hospitals, schools and other educational institutions.

The court also reiterated its earlier directive putting a ban on bursting of crackers late at night during Diwali and other festivals.