After children were barred from attending the British rock band Coldplay’s concert on January 25 and 26 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the online platform organising the show has now been issued notice by the Maharashtra State Commission for Women ahead of another concert in Mumbai.
“A complaint has been received in the office of the Maharashtra State Women Commission… with respect to not allowing pregnant women (to attend the concert) on January 18, 19, and 21 in the D Y Patil Stadium,” the notice issued on Wednesday said.
The Commission has directed the Police Commissioner of Mumbai, the Police Commissioner of Navi Mumbai, and the organisers to investigate the matter. It has sought a report, under Section 12 (2) 13(3) of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women Act, of the police investigation within seven days.
In a complaint to Maharashtra State Commission for Women, an Assistant Professor at Government College, Chandigarh, Punditrao Dhareanvar, claimed that high-intensity sound harms pregnant women and unborn children.
“As per the complainant, the study published in Indian Paediatrics says that children born to women who are exposed to noise during pregnancy could develop hearing loss and mental retardation,” the notice issued by the Commission said. “We have asked the police commissioner to take action. We will be sending a reminder on Monday again but we are told that the police have started an investigation,” the Law Officer at the Maharashtra State Commission for Women, Ajinkya Gangurde, who had issued the notice, told The Indian Express.
According to the provisions of Section 10(1) F (i) and (ii) of the Maharashtra State Women Commission Act, 1993, the Maharashtra State Women Commission is empowered to take cognisance of matters related to women’s complaints.
Gangurde said, “The rules are not clear at the time of booking. There should be awareness of this before the show. However… it is entirely the responsibility of the women to understand that this is hazardous for them and the child.” Dhareanvar, in his complaint, cited the Swedish Work Environment Authority which states that pregnant women should avoid noise levels of over 80 dB, even if they have ear protectors as the “babies remain unprotected.”
On January 3, the Ahmedabad District Child Protection Officer had issued a notice pertaining to the entry of children to the concert. Tanvika Parmar, Ahmedabad District Child Protection Officer, said, “The notice issued to them has stated that children below five years old should not be allowed in the concert. Also, children between 5-18 years should be (given) earplugs.”
So far, there has been no reaction from the online platform over the development.
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