It’s a relief: Playing loud music in buses prohibited in Karnataka

Passengers should now think twice before putting mobile phones on the ‘speaker mode’ inside buses as they might end up being deboarded from the bus for the violation.

In a circular issued on Thursday, the Karnataka Road Transportation department has laid guidelines for the use of mobile phones in buses. The move comes in the backdrop of complaints received by the corporation that passengers play music, movies, news by putting their mobile on speaker mode thus disturbing other fellow passengers.

A Public Interest Litigation was filed in the Karnataka High Court seeking restrictions on playing loud music or video on electronic gadgets in buses or trains.

According to the circular playing loud music or videos on any electronic gadgets is a violation of Karnataka Motor vehicles Act 1989, Rule 94 (1) (V). However, playing music using a headphone is not restricted, as it won’t cause trouble for anyone.

The conductors are advised to request the mobile user not to put mobile on speaker and tell him that it is disturbing others. If passengers continue to do so and violate the guideline, the driver or conductor can get the passenger out of the vehicle. The guideline allows the conductor and driver to stop the bus until the passenger gets down. The ticket fare will also not be refunded to those passengers. The circular has also asked to submit an action taken report on the guidelines prescribed in it.