As per a report of LiveLaw, the petitioner had filed a plea in the High Court urging a ban on the use of loudspeakers during various times of the day for the Islamic call to prayer.

Arguments during the hearing:

While hearing the matter, CJ Sunita Aggarwal questioned the petitioner whether other religious practices, such playing music during puja or bhajan in temples, did not cause similar public disturbance and disruption owing to noise pollution. The CJ underlined that noise pollution is a scientific matter and asked the petitioner’s counsel to present proof of the purported noise pollution brought on by Azaan, including specifics on decibel levels, as per the LiveLaw report. Meanwhile, the CJ also pointed out that the Islamic prayer of Azaan is only announced for a period of five minutes.

“For how many minutes the azaan goes on? Not less than 5 minutes, where is the question of noise pollution? Show us the decibels. Technically how many decibels of noise [is caused by] azaan?” CJ Aggarwal stated, as per the report of LiveLaw.

In response to the question put forth by the bench, the counsel for the petitioner asserted that the announcement of Azaan exceeded the decibel limit.

To the aforementioned claim, CJ Sunita Aggarwal critically retorted by bringing up the noise pollution created by the usage of a DJ and stated, “Your DJ creates a lot of pollution. We are not entertaining this kind of PIL.”

She further remarked that the practice of Azaan has been going on for years and noted “It is a faith and practice going on years together and it is a moment of only 5-10 minutes. Azaan goes on for less than 10 minutes.”

As per the report of LiveLaw, the petitioner’s counsel then attempted to strengthen their case by arguing that Azaan took place multiple times, including early morning and during the day. The same argument was shot down by CJ Sunita Aggarwal who opined that even in temples “the morning aarti with those drums and music starts early in the morning”.

Further pressing on the bells and drums used in temples, CJ asked the petitioner “That doesn’t cause noise to anyone? Can you say that the noise of the ghanta and ghadiyal remains in the temple premises only? It doesn’t percolate out of the premises?”

The CJ then added, “Mr. Counsel, in 10 minutes a person is making Azaan. How much pollution is caused in that 10 minutes please tell us. Noise pollution is a scientific issue. Since you say noise pollution, if it is scientifically placed before the court, how many decibels is raised?” If there is a scientific method of assessment of pollution of noise, can you argue as per that scientific assessment, this 10 minutes of Azaan is causing noise pollution?”

The Court was dismayed and disappointed to learn that the writ petition, which alleged that Azaan was to blame for the noise pollution, had neglected to include a scientific evaluation of the extent of the noise pollution generated by the prayer offerings while urging for ban on the use of loudspeakers decrying noise pollution.

The bench stated, “If you can argue this, we will permit you. But you are not arguing this. You have not made out any base in the writ petition. Where is the pleading with regard to the decibels? Where is the pleading with regard to the scientific method of assessment of noise pollution in the area?”

The order of the Court

The High Court bench dictated its order and held that it did not find any ground in the petition filed against Azaan as the court failed to understand how the recitation of Azaan through loudspeaker could reach the decibel level required to create noise pollution. The Chief Justice stated, “We fail to understand as to how the human voice making Azaan through loudspeaker in the morning could achieve the decibel [level] to the extent of creating noise pollution causing health hazards to the public at large. The measurements/assessment of noise pollution with the raising of decibel of sound is a scientific method wherein the sound created by a particular instrument etc can be measured to see that the sound caused by it is reaching beyond decibel permissible limit. No such foundation has been laid in the petition to demonstrate that noise created by Azaan for minutes at a stretch at different hours of the day would raise the level of the sound to cause noise pollution. We therefore do not find any ground.”

Based on the information in the record, the Chief Justice observed that the remaining pleas were not supported by any evidence. Notably, the counsel interrupted the CJ as she was dictating the judgment, citing an Allahabad High Court ruling to support the petitioner’s claim that police approval was required. However, as per the LiveLaw report, the CJ promptly intervened, noting that judgments from the Allahabad High Court are not legally binding on their jurisdiction.

Related:

Azaan on loudspeakers does not violate fundamental rights of people of other faiths: Karnataka HC

Allahabad Univ VC can sleep better, Mosque reduces Azaan volume

Another chapter in the politics of Azaan

How did two Delhi Policemen decide to ‘ban’ azaan on their own?

Temple Prayers, Azaan, Ganeshotsav or Garba: How High Does the Decibel Level Go?

The post Gujarat HC on plea banning loudspeakers for Azaan: “Faith and practice going on years together” appeared first on SabrangIndia.

On August 22, 2022, the Karnataka High Court disposed of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed against the contents of Azaan (call for prayers in Islam). The PIL had alleged that it hurts the sentiments of believers of other faiths. The court observed that Article 25 and 26 of the Constitution embody the principle of “religious tolerance” which are a characteristic of Indian civilization, reported LiveLaw.

A division bench of Karnataka High Court comprising Acting Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice S Vishwajith Shetty reportedly said, “Contention that the contents of Azaan violate the fundamental rights guaranteed to the petitioner as well as persons of other faith cannot be accepted.”

Seeking a direction to the authorities to stop mosques / masjids in the state from using the contents of the Azaan through loudspeakers, Advocate Manjunath S. Halawar appearing for petitioner Chandrashekhar R, submitted that though Azaan is an essential religious practice of Muslims, the words “Allahu Akbar” (translation: Allah is the greatest) used in Azaan hurts the religious beliefs of others.

As Advocate Halawar continued to read out the plea raising objections with respect to other words from the Azaan, LiveLaw reported that the bench interrupted him and asked, “Do not violate your own fundamental rights, you have said by hearing these words your right is violated so why should you read it?”

According to LiveLaw, the bench further observed, “Article 25(1) of the Constitution of India, confers the Fundamental Rights on all persons to freely profess, practice and propagate their own religion. However, this right is not an absolute right but is subject to restrictions on the grounds of public order, morality and health as well as subject to other provisions in part 3 of the Constitution of India.” It also said, “Undoubtedly the petitioner as well believers of other faiths have the Right to practise their religion. Azaan is a call to muslims to offer prayers. It is the case the petitioner himself as pleaded in para 6 (b) of the writ petition, that Azaan is an essential religious practise of the persons belonging to Islam…It is also pertinent to note that it is not the case of the petitioner himself that his fundamental right guaranteed under Article 25 is being infringed in any manner by offering Azaan, through loudspeakers or PA system or its contents violate the fundamental right guaranteed to petitioner or persons belonging to other faith.”

However, the Court directed the authorities to ensure that loudspeakers, PA system and sound producing instruments are not permitted above the permissible decibel from 10 P.M to 6 A.M. It further directed the authorities to follow the directions issued by the High Court on June 17 to carry out a drive to prevent the misuse of loudspeakers and PA systems. A compliance report is to be filed within eight weeks.

This order is significant given how in recent times, multiple objections have been raised against azaans, usually under the guise of fighting noise pollution. The matters have gone to court, and political parties have also tried to stir communal passions in a bid to polarise people and cultivate their respective vote banks. Memories of Azaan vs Hanuman Chalisa campaigns are still fresh. And while concerns about noise pollution should not be taken lightly, blatant Islamophobia should not be encouraged either. This PIL was openly communal, and by dismissing it, the court has upheld the secular values of the country.

Related:

Use of loudspeakers not a fundamental right: Allahabad HC

Pramod Muthalik stirs the Hanuman Chalisa vs Azaan pot

Gujarat: Hindu man killed by own community for using loudspeaker at temple

Will keep loudspeaker volume low: Mumbai Mosques

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Karnataka Police have issued a high alert across the state in wake of chanting of Hanuman Chalisa during the early morning Azaan on Monday. Over 300 notices have also been served to various religious and non-religious establishments to comply with noise pollution rules.

Earlier this morning, Deccan Herald reported that Hanuman Chalisa was recited for about an hour using loudspeakers from the Sonya Maruti Temple in Belgavi (previously known as Belgaum) at 5 A.M today, by members of Pramod Muthalik led Sree Ram Sene (SRS). The publication said, “The volume of the public address system at the temple was more than that of the mosques in the vicinity wherein the azaan was being heard.”

Hindustan Times reported, “Srirama Bhajane, Hanuman Chalisa, Mantrapatana and Mantra were heard in temples across the state including Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mandya, Belgaum, Dharwad and Kalaburagi.” SRS members raised slogans like “Jai Shri Ram”, “Jai Hanuman” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai”, before commencing with the traditional Suprabhatam (morning prayers, reported local publication Uadyavani.  

Muthalik’s group had previously declared their intention to chant Hanuman Chalisa using loudspeakers, if the devices were not removed from mosques starting today. SRS claims similar recitals of the Hanuman Chalisa took place at nearly 1,000 temples across the state today. Muthalik had challenged the Karnataka administration to “show guts” like Yogi Adityanath on the issue, and slammed the Bommai administration for failing to act against mosques that used loudspeakers for azaan.

Police took a few Hindutva activists who had planned to do the same at a Bengaluru temple earlier today. Security has been beefed up statewide fearing communal clashes. So far, 301 notices have been served in connection with the loudspeaker issue, though oddly enough 59 were served to pubs and bars! Readers would recall that the SRS had shot to fame with the Mangalore pub attack where members of the group had physically assaulted young women and couples who were enjoying drinks and dancing at a pub. It is not clear if this was done to placate the SRS in some way.

Meanwhile, News 18 reports that other recipients of the notices include 125 mosques, 83 temples, 22 churches and 12 industrial units as well, across the state.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner Kamal Pant also reportedly held a meeting with Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai in connection with these developments.  Home Minister Araga Jnanendra, meanwhile, told media persons, “We won’t hesitate to take stringent action against those who take law into their hands.”

Related:

Will keep loudspeaker volume low: Mumbai Mosques

Use of loudspeakers not a fundamental right: Allahabad HC

VHP backs out on MNS’ Hanuman Chalisa event

UP priest booked for playing Hanuman Chalisa outside mosque

The post Pramod Muthalik stirs the Hanuman Chalisa vs Azaan pot appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Two days before Eid, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on May 1, 2022 announced it has no intention of joining the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s (MNS) in playing Hanuman Chalisa outside mosques.

According to the Indian Express, VHP Spokesperson Vinod Bansal dismissed reports of VHP and Bajrang Dal members participating in the MNS event on May 3. The political party intended to arrange for loudspeakers outside mosques that chose to keep the equipment. Deeming such claims as “fake and baseless” Bansal said neither group extended such support to the political party.

We do not support any political party.
We won’t participate in MNS’ Hanuman Chalisa event in Maharashtrahttps://t.co/ouX2GoC4Ax

— विनोद बंसल Vinod Bansal (@vinod_bansal) May 1, 2022

Earlier, BJP official Mohit Kamboj had promised to provide loudspeakers for playing Hanuman Chalisa outside masjids. However, following multiple vibrant secular events and reportage in the state, all RSS-affiliated parties have back-tracked from this idea.

।।जय श्री राम।।
अब नहीं उठे तो कट जाओगे हिन्दू, फिर से कश्मीरी पंडित मत बन जाओ।
जो रोक रहा हनुमान पाठ से तुमको,उसके कानो में चालिशा बजवाओ।
अगर कोई माने ना राम के विचारों से,शिवाजी की तलवार बन जाओ। #Loudspeakers#HanumanChalisa@BajrangDalOrg @UdhavThackeray

— Neeraj Bhardwaj ? (@HindRakshak97) April 29, 2022

Bansal went so far as to say his group does not participate or support such political programmes. Yet he implicitly attacked the state government for charging Independent MLA Ravi Rana and wife Amravati MP Navneet Rana with sedition for trying to play Hanuman Chalisa outside Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s residence.

Recently, Commissioners of Police of various cities like Nashik, Mumbai and others have taken stringent measures to protect the community rights of Muslims. In turn, religious leaders also promised to adhere to the Pollution Control Board’s noise guidelines for a successful Eid. Everywhere in the state, celebrations and precautions have been put in place for May 3.

The post VHP backs out on MNS’ Hanuman Chalisa event appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Around two weeks before Eid, Maharashtra Director General of Police (DGP) Rajnish Seth instructed all police units on April 19, 2022 to enforce the law and the Supreme Court’s guidelines on the use of loudspeakers. The order comes after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray’s demand for the removal of loudspeakers from mosques by May 3. However, it is noteworthy that mosques have never showcased any resistance to following laws. In fact, almost three quarters of the mosques in the state have already decided to not use loudspeakers for the first Azaan of the day that takes place at 5 A.M, in accordance with the Supreme Court ban on using loudspeakers between 10 P.M and 6 A.M.

According to The Wire, DGP Seth held a video conference with top police officials on Tuesday and discussed Thackeray’s open threat of playing Hanuman Chalisa outside any mosque and using a loudspeaker. District Superintendents of Police, Special Inspector Generals of various ranges and City Commissioners all agreed to allow loudspeakers between 6 AM and 10 PM with prior police permission. Seth further told them to strictly abide by the apex court’s guidelines and the norms laid down by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB).

As per the report, State Home Minister Dilip Walse-Patil said that the police were “fully prepared and are taking steps to prevent untoward incidents”. Earlier, Walse-Patil said that Seth and Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjay Pandey will prepare comprehensive guidelines on the use of loudspeakers at places of worship.

Pandey has also been repeatedly voicing work in this direction on his social media, adding how the needless threat has added to the work of the police machinery.

Let this hanuman jayanti and the din over loudspeakers get over we will deploy all cops on roads. I was to do this but suddenly was caught in the noise wars!!!

— Sanjay Pandey (@sanjayp_1) April 14, 2022

Mumbai precautions

On the same day as the top-level meeting, Mumbai police officials also held a meeting with prominent religious leaders in the district. At the end of the meeting 72 percent of Mumbai’s mosques agreed to not use loudspeakers for the 5 A.M Azaan, and the rest agreed to ensure keeping the volume to the permitted decibel-level. This decision is in keeping with the Supreme Court order that bans the use of loudspeakers between 10 PM and 6 AM. The penalty for violating this order involves a minimum sentence of five years and a fine of ₹ 5 lakh.

India Today reported that a special squad will likely monitor noise levels, while the police collect information on people charged with inciting communal tensions. Accordingly, hate mongers and social media will be monitored.

Nashik police recognises customary rights

Meanwhile, Nashik Police Commissioner Deepak Pandey banned the playing of Hanuman Chalisa, bhajan or kirtan, 15 minutes before and after Azaan on April 18. Speaking to a news agency, Pandey said that section 40 of the Police Rules, 1951 allows the police to enforce such laws in times of social or religious unrest, keeping in mind legal and customary rights. As such, the police prohibited the playing of similar hymns within 100 meters of a mosque. The move was celebrated as an effective means to curb Hindutva extremism.

Communal politics persists

While state police are working with local leaders to maintain peace, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut has accused the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) of creating a ruckus taking cues from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Wire reported that former Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Pravin Togadia reacted to this claim by pointing out that the BJP did not act against loudspeakers when it was in power. It may be noted that while the police have not banned loudspeakers, they have asked the structures to adhere to the law.

Moreover, despite refuting BJP involvement, Togadia said the BJP should remove loudspeakers from mosques in the states where the party is in power, contradicting his previous statement.

Related:

72 percent of Mumbai’s mosque hold off on loudspeakers

Nashik police prohibit Hanuman Chalisa just before and after Azaan

Remove loudspeakers from mosques before Eid: Raj Thackeray

Vasant More rejects communalism, stands up to Raj ThackeraA

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While Maharashtra is embroiled in a controversy regarding the use of loudspeakers in mosques, Maharashtra’s Barad village in Nanded maintains its five-year-long decision to not use loudspeakers for religious spaces.

As Eid on May 3, 2022 draws closer, security and administrative units all over Maharashtra prepare themselves to address the open threats of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). In an earlier address, party Chief Raj Thackeray demanded that all mosques remove their loudspeakers by Eid if they do not want MNS workers to play Hanuman Chalisa outside their structures.

The speech garnered some anger and disquiet from the minority community. However, Barad’s religious groups have staunchly stuck to their decision not to use loudspeakers for any temple, mosque or Buddha temple.

According to Aaj Tak, Barad gram panchayat is a peaceful and prosperous village that produces bananas, sugarcane, vegetables and flowers. Apart from economic prosperity, its 15,000 strong population has also ensured religious unity. In 2018, villagers voiced troubles due to the noise pollution caused by loudspeakers of 15 Hindu temples, Buddhist viharas, Jain temples and mosques in this village. The religious places used to play their prayers throughout the day until citizens collectively decided to ban loudspeakers in all these structures.

Even nowadays when political parties are trying to rile up communal conflicts, these villages adhered to their decision from five years ago. According to Aaj Tak, the people are proud to uphold their secular culture of religious unity. The village remains peaceful amidst growing reports of hate in other parts of the country.

Related:

Vasant More rejects communalism, stands up to Raj Thackeray

Maharashtra: Hindu man offers terrace to Muslims for namaz in Amravati

Nashik police prohibit Hanuman Chalisa just before and after Azaan

Karnataka: Court directs FIR against hate-monger, Chandru Moger

The post Maharashtra’s Barad village stands together against loudspeaker controversy appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Only 10 days after a hate-filled speech in Dadar, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray reiterated with his demand for removal of loudspeakers from masjids, this time while addressing a gathering in Thane on April 12, 2022.

Speaking in Marathi, he lashed out against the use of loudspeakers by mosques all through the year. Thackeray asked, “It is Ramzan at present. We understand. We also have Ganpati and Navratri festivals. But why are you making us listen to this [prayers] 365 days a year?” Claiming that there was no use for loudspeakers, he demanded that the Maharashtra state government ensure their removal from mosques to prevent “tedh, dangal” (Translation: division, riots).

“May 3 is Eid. I appeal to the state government and the Home Ministry, that we don’t want to create any division, riots etc. We don’t want to spoil the health of Maharahtra,” said Thackeray, the chilling threat evident in his words. He continued, “But today is April 12 and from now untill May 3, I urge you to call all Maulvis and tell them to take down all loudspeakers from mosques. (If you do so) after May 3, you will not face any trouble from us.” The gathering cheered him on.

His demand is at odds with his own argument that loudspeakers should be used on important occasions. Nonetheless, he continues saying that namaz, azan and similar prayers read inside the houses because “religion should be inside homes”.

Further, he went on to warn the Muslim community that if they do not understand “words” then “Hindus” will take “action” and play Hanuman Chalisa outside mosques in Maharashtra. Later he went on to extend this call to all of India.

“We are not ruining the environment. This is a social issue not a religious one. Students, elderly and women alike complain about this. There can be no religion that bothers the other,” he argued.

To Thackeray’s credit there have been arguments against the use of loudspeakers for namaz and other prayers. However, the contention has been equally frivolous like ‘interrupted yoga or sleep’. The party Chief too took similar cheap shots during his speech at the quality of singing that in his opinion were just noise. Claiming that people from within the Muslim community have agreed with him, he argued that the party will not back down on this, no matter what the government says. During the event, he cited previous speech on January 23, 2020, August 1, 2018 and July 28 of the same year wherein he repeatedly voiced the removal of loudspeakers. He also cited the July 2005 Supreme Court order that argued against the use of loudspeakers if it proved to be a hindrance. Thackeray claimed that the state government ignored this order for the sake of votes.

It may be noted, that ex-MNS member Pune’s Katraj Corporator Vasant More clearly rejected this call by the party Chief outrightly stating that he could not betray the Muslim community that voted for him. Meanwhile, Maharashtra BJP official Mohit Kamboj has taken the call as a personal notice and promised to provide loudspeakers to temples interested in playing the Hanuman Chalisa.

मंदिर में लगाने के लिए जिसको लाउड स्पीकर ( भोंगे ) चाहिए वो निशुल्क हमसे माँग सकता हैं !
सभी हिंदू की एक आवाज़ होनी चाहिए !

मंदिरावर हनुमान चालिसा यासाठी भोंगे आम्ही देवू ज्यांना लावायचे आहेत त्यांना !
हिंदु एकता आवाज आलाच पाहिजे !

जय श्री राम ! हर हर महादेव !

— Mohit Kamboj Bharatiya – मोहित कंबोज भारतीय (@mohitbharatiya_) April 4, 2022

Since then, his feed is ridden with images of him sitting in the middle of many loudspeakers. As for the government, the Hindustan Times reported that authorities condemned Thackeray’s remarks and asked all political parties not to make divisive comments.

Related:

Vasant More rejects communalism, stands up to Raj Thackeray

What does Raj Thackeray hope to achieve with his anti-Muslim speech?

Maharashtra: Hindu man offers terrace to Muslims for namaz in Amravati

Are increasing calls for economic boycott of Muslims a sinister precursor to something worse?

The post Remove loudspeakers from mosques before Eid: Raj Thackeray appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Ajmer district administration imposed Section 144, banned flags bearing religious symbols and loudspeakers in religious and public places from April 7, following violence in Karauli, reported the Free Press Journal.

Rajasthan’s Karauli city has been in a state of turmoil since April 2, when right-wing outfits like the Vishva Hindu Parishad(VHP), the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bajrang Dal took out a rally during Nav Samvatsar. The ensuing stone-pelting and property damages in minority community areas has put nearby regions including Ajmer on high alert.

While authorities in the violence-hit region extended curfew upto April 10, 2022, Ajmer authorities thought it safe to impose Section 144 as a precautionary measure during upcoming festival. In an order published on Thursday, District Collector Ansh Deep said that miscreants attempt to disturb communal harmony by raising flags with religious symbols on public property such as government buildings, undertakings, rest houses, public parks, circle electric and telephone poles, etc. during religious occasions. As such, he called for preventive action to maintain social harmony and public peace.

“In view of the above circumstances, I [prohibit] the installation of flags with religious insignia on public property in the entire urban and rural area of Ajmer without any competent sanction… If a person violates the above orders, he may be prosecuted under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code,” said Ansh.

The order will be in effect for a month from Thursday 10 AM. Further, the administration also banned the use of loudspeakers in public and religious places to “curb noise pollution”. This includes DJ events during functions. As per the order, anyone wanting to use these items will have to take permission form the Sub-District Magistrate in advance. This permission will not be given for use between 10 PM and 6 AM.

Recently, right-wing groups and supporters have started a vehement hate campaign against the use of loudspeakers by mosques. Notably, there was a controversy in Maharashtra where Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray lashed out against the Muslim community and demanded speakers twice the height of the religious structure be placed outside mosques to play Hanuman Chalisa. Days later, Karnataka Hindutva groups called for a ban of loudspeakers in mosques.

Meanwhile, tensions in Karauli continue. On Friday, The Cognate’s Delhi Correspondent Ghazala Ahmad and her colleague Ahmed Kasim were allegedly manhandled by the local police while trying to report on the previous week’s attacks. The two journalists later reported they were able to leave the area safely.

Update: We’ve safely managed to leave the place.

— Ghazala Ahmad (@ghazalaahmad5) April 8, 2022

Related:

Rajasthan: All you need to know about the Karauli violence
Right-wing’s dangerous obsession with mosques and dargahs peaks during Ramzan
Bajrang Muni Das openly threatens Muslim women with sexual assault
Vasant More rejects communalism, stands up to Raj Thackeray
857 communal riots in 2020 alone!
Gujarat:  Antarashtriya Hindu Parishad is stage for anti-Muslim abuse, trident distribution
The Kashmir Files: Right-wing outfits bring weapons inside theatres!
Why is this ‘Sangeet Som Sena’ allowed to roam free in UP?

The post Ajmer Collector bans crowds, religious flags and loudspeakers after Karauli violence appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The post Vasant More rejects communalism, stands up to Raj Thackeray appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Politics over the use of loudspeakers at mosques continues to get louder in Uttar Pradesh. The latest to raise the issue is Uttar Pradesh minister Anand Swaroop Shukla who on Tuesday wrote to the Ballia district magistrate, asking that the volume of loudspeakers at mosques should be fixed according to the High Court orders. According to news reports, the minister has written that he “is facing difficulties in discharge of his duties”. 

According to media reports, in his complaint Shukla stated, “Namaz is offered five times in a day, and throughout the day. As a result of it, I face problems in doing Yoga, meditation, puja (worship) and discharging government duties.” Shukla in his letter, refers to the Kajipura Madina Masjid in his constituency and states that there are a number of schools in the vicinity of the mosque and the use of loudspeakers “hampers studies”. However, Islamic scholar Zafarul-Islam Khan, the former Chairman, Delhi Minorities Commission, Govt of NCT, said, “No mosque uses loudspeakers during school time” and added that “Loudspeakers volume everywhere should be controlled, not just mosques.”

According to Shukla, “Religious publicity takes place through loudspeakers. Information regarding donations for the construction of mosques is disseminated in an extremely loud volume. This has an adverse impact on students, elder citizens and the health of patients. The common public is facing extreme noise pollution.” He has asked that the volume of loudspeakers at the mosques in Ballia should be fixed according to orders of the Allahabad High Court while unnecessary ones should be removed.

This comes close on the heels of the complaint by Allahabad University’s vice-chancellor Prof. Sangita Srivastava who had her wish of uninterrupted morning slumber come true, as the mosque committee of Lal Mosque, decided to reduce the volume by 50 percent, and also change the direction of the speaker away from her house. Prof. Srivastava had written to District Magistrate Bhanu Chandra Goswami  complaining that she was forced to wake up too early every day, due to the azaan being recited on a loudspeaker. She urged the DM to take action as her “sleep [gets] so disturbed [that it] does not resume even after trying very hard.” She had also complained about the announcements of sehri, the morning meal consumed by Muslims in the month of Ramzan. She had cited an Allahabad high court judgement from 2020 in her letter that said azaan was an essential part of Islam, but not its recitation through the use of loudspeakers.  

In January 2020, the Allahabad High Court had ruled that no religion advocates the use of loudspeakers for worship. The petitioner had challenged an administrative order in the Jaunpur district of Uttar Pradesh where use of loudspeaker for azaan had been banned. The high court had said, “No religion prescribes that prayers are required to be performed through voice amplifiers or by beating of drums If there is such a practice, it should not adversely affect rights of the others, including that of not being disturbed.” The details of the Allahabad HC ruling may be read here. 

Related:

Allahabad Univ VC can sleep better, Mosque reduces Azaan volume

Muslims must give up use of loudspeakers for religious purpose

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