Late night music parties already banned by law in Goa: Parrikar

Panaji, April 12 (IANS) There is no question of banning late-night music parties in Goa, because existing laws restrict playing loud music beyond 10 p.m. anyway, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said on Wednesday.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a swearing-in ceremony of two new ministers in the BJP-led coalition government, he also said that the state police have clear instructions to crack down on drugs, prostitution and illegal gambling.

"As per law, after 10 p.m. you cannot play loud music, which disturbs people. If there is no permission by law, there is no question of banning it. Law says you can play loud music till 10 p.m., after taking permission. What disturbs people any activity like this will not be allowed by law," Parrikar said, a few days after Water Resources Minister Vinod Palienkar said that police were not cracking down enough on late-night rave parties, which are popular with tourists in the state.

"Wherever there are drugs going on, police have clear instructions... drugs, prostitution and illegal gambling... crackdown on the three and police are doing it," he added.