Mumbai, May 5 (IANS) The Bombay High Court Wednesday virtually banned noisy political rallies in the historic Shivaji Park, the biggest playground in the heart of Mumbai, by declaring it a silence zone.

A division bench of Justice F.I. Rebello and Justice Mridula Bhatkar delivered the interim order over a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by city-based Veckom Trust and Dadar residents Sharad Dixit and J.D. Udeshi.

While declaring Shivaji Park a silence zone, the court said loudspeakers will be allowed in the park during functions related to the Republic Day Jan 26, Maharashtra Day May 1 and death anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar Dec 6.

The petitioners moved the court in September 2009 and sought a complete ban on non-sporting activities in the park.

"This is predominantly a sports ground. Why is it being used for non-sports functions?" questioned Dixit.

"Loudspeakers disturb the calm and peace of the area. Hence, we were forced to file a PIL," added Dixit.

"It surely is a welcome order for the residents of Shivaji Park area. This will set a precedence for all other locations in the city that have not been notified as silence zones," said Sumera Abdul Ali, a noise pollution activist from Awaz Foundation.

The PIL said Shivaji Park was shown in the city's development plan as reserved for sporting activities and, therefore, it cannot be used for any other purpose.

Eminent cricketers like Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar started their cricketing journey by practicing at this historic ground.

Apart from sports activities, more than 8,000 people come to Shivaji Park every day for jogging and exercise, and morning and evening walks.