As many as 72 percent of Mumbai’s mosques said they will hold off on playing the 5 AM azaan via loudspeakers, police sources informed PTI on April 19, 2022. Although the news comes after the open threats of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief, this decision is in keeping with the Supreme Court order that bans the use of loudspeakers between 10 PM and 6 AM.
Earlier, MNS Chief Raj Thackeray had demanded that mosques all over Maharashtra remove their loudspeakers by Eid i.e May 3, 2022. He claimed that party members will build speakers twice the height of the structure and play Hanuman Chalisa if the minority community does not heed him.
Focused on maintaining peace in the city, the police met religious leaders and concluded that 72 percent of mosques will not employ loudspeakers for the first azaan of the day. The rest will reduce the volume in line with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board Rules. Mosques will also adhere to the apex court decision, violating which parties are subject to a minimum sentence of five years and a fine of ₹ 5 lakh.
According to India Today, a special squad is likely to monitor noise levels, while the police collect information on people charged with inciting communal tensions. Further, senior officials said the police will monitor hate mongers and take strict action against any inflammatory speeches. Social media will also be monitored.
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