Indore: The Indore administration recently removed 437 loudspeakers from 258 religious places of various communities, sparking concerns within the Muslim community. On Monday, a delegation from the Muslim community met with authorities to express their objections to the move.
Administrative Actions and Compliance:
“In compliance with the orders issued by the government of Madhya Pradesh, action was taken on Saturday to remove sound amplifying devices from religious places. A total of 437 loudspeakers were removed from 258 different religious places, which were well above the prescribed norms. This action was taken after talking to all committees, be it temples or mosques,” stated Additional DCP Rajesh Dandotiya.
Community Response:
A delegation led by Indore’s Shahar Qazi, Mohammad Ishrat Ali, met with Collector Ashish Singh to voice their concerns. Ali addressed the media after the meeting, stating, “Be it temples or mosques, loudspeakers have been removed from all the religious places in the city. We demand loudspeakers be allowed in religious places within the permissible noise limit as per the guidelines of the Supreme Court.” Ali also questioned why restrictions were being imposed on religious places while DJs playing loud music at weddings were not being banned.
District Magistrate’s Statement:
District Magistrate Ashish Singh confirmed that the removal of loudspeakers at religious places was executed under the state government’s instructions, emphasizing the need for compliance with the directive. “The action was carried out following the guidelines of the state government, and everyone should adhere to this directive,” Singh noted.
Government Directive:
The directive comes after Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav instructed police officials to enforce guidelines on the use of loudspeakers. Shortly after Yadav assumed office last year, he issued an order banning loudspeakers and DJs at religious gatherings and public places if they exceeded the prescribed noise limits. Additionally, he announced an “intensive campaign” to monitor and curb the “illegal buying and selling of meat, fish, etc.”
The recent administrative action and subsequent community response highlight ongoing efforts to balance religious practices with regulatory compliance, ensuring that noise levels remain within permissible limits. The meeting between the Muslim delegation and authorities aims to find a resolution that respects both the law and the community’s religious practices.
