The Indore administration in Madhya Pradesh has taken down over 400 loudspeakers from various religious sites, including temples, mosques, and gurudwaras, following state government orders. This action has led to protests from Muslim religious leaders.
Collector Ashish Singh said, “Loudspeakers have been removed on the state government’s instructions, and everyone must follow this directive.”
According to a police official, 437 loudspeakers were removed from 258 religious places within 48 hours.
Muslim leaders, including Indore’s Shahar Qazi Mohammad Ishrat Ali, have voiced their concerns. “We demand that loudspeakers be allowed in religious places within the permissible noise limit as per the guidelines of the Supreme Court,” Ali said, adding that if loudspeakers are banned in religious places, the same rule should apply to DJs at weddings and other functions.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav issued an order to ban loudspeakers and DJs at religious and public places if their volume exceeds the prescribed limits. This order follows the Noise Control Act and Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, along with Supreme Court guidelines.
The state government has created flying squads in all districts to monitor noise pollution and the illegal use of loudspeakers.
