A legal case has been initiated against GHMC Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi following the Saddula Bathukamma celebrations held on October 10 in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. During the event, the police acted on their own accord after reports of loud DJ music and dancing that continued well beyond the designated time. The authorities not only charged Mayor Vijayalakshmi but also implicated the event organizer and the DJ operator in the case. This incident has reignited discussions surrounding the appropriateness of loud music during cultural celebrations, with many expressing concerns about noise levels and community standards.
During the recent Bathukamma celebrations in Hyderabad, a controversy erupted surrounding GHMC Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi. Despite an existing ban on DJs in the city, the mayor allowed DJ music during the festivities and made headlines with her provocative statements while brandishing a sword. She declared, “As long as I’m here, there’s no need to fear anyone. The police can’t do anything, even if they show up. Today, I’m holding this sword, but tomorrow, you should all be prepared to take it up.”
Her comments ignited a wave of criticism from the public, who questioned the apparent double standards regarding the enforcement of regulations for officials versus ordinary citizens. The situation escalated to the point where the Hyderabad police decided to take action, filing a suo motu case against the mayor and others involved.
On October 1, Hyderabad’s Commissioner of Police, C.V. Anand, announced a citywide prohibition on DJs and firecrackers. This action followed a series of discussions with community and religious leaders in response to rising noise complaints received via the Dial 100 helpline.
The newly implemented regulations clearly ban the use of DJs, sound mixers, loudspeakers, and firecrackers, aiming to maintain peace and quiet in the city. The restrictions will be effective from 10 PM to 6 AM each night, with special attention given to maintaining silence within a 100-meter radius of schools, hospitals, colleges, and courts.
Commissioner Anand emphasized that any breach of these regulations could lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to five years and significant fines under the BNS Act. This initiative underscores the city’s commitment to public safety and community well-being.
Nevertheless, Mayor Vijayalakshmi’s choice to play DJ music beyond 10 PM during the Bathukamma festivities has ignited considerable debate. In addition to permitting the DJ, her provocative statements have garnered significant backlash on social media. Many individuals are calling into question her actions, noting the contradiction with the existing noise regulations and the appropriateness of her conduct as a public leader.