Rajnish Seth, the DGP of Maharashtra, has asked the force to observe the Supreme Court's loudspeaker guidelines

In response to the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's demand that loudspeakers be removed from mosques, Maharashtra Director General of Police (DGP) Rajnish Seth urged officials on Tuesday to firmly implement the law and the Supreme Court's directions on the subject.

 

According to a state police official, DGP Seth addressed a virtual video conference in the morning, which was attended by district superintendents of police, special inspector generals of various ranges, and commissioners of key cities. "Three important points were discussed," a senior IPS officer stated, "the issue of loudspeakers, how to enforce the state and court instructions connected to the use of loudspeakers, and preparedness in the event of upcoming festivals in the state."

 

According to police sources, a senior officer represented Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjay Pandey at the meeting. The use of loudspeakers in public spaces is a long-standing issue with clear guidelines, according to the DGP, who also instructed all police units to take action if any noise pollution complaints were received.

 

Nashik Police Commissioner Deepak Pandey issued a directive on Sunday, stating that in the 15 minutes before and after the call for 'azaan,' no one in a 100-meter radius of any mosques within the Nashik Police Commissionerate's jurisdiction would be allowed to play bhajans or music on loudspeaker. Pandey also issued a directive to religious institutions in the city, requiring them to acquire authorization for the use of loudspeakers by May 3, failing which legal action will be taken against anyone who breaks the laws, including being 'external or detained by police.'

 

The Supreme Court also ordered the Union and state governments to ensure that noise levels at the boundary of public places, including religious institutions, where loudspeakers or public address systems are used in accordance with the law do not exceed 10 decibels above ambient noise standards for the area, or 75 decibels, whichever is lower.

 

 

Image Courtesy Twitter @fpjindia