In a move that has sparked significant controversy and drawn criticism from religious leaders and civil society groups, authorities in Mumbai have banned the use of loudspeakers for the Islamic call to prayer (Azaan) in mosques across the city.
The ban follows a directive from the Bombay High Court, aimed at addressing rising concerns over urban noise pollution. Acting on the court's guidelines, Mumbai Police have implemented a citywide operation to remove public address systems from religious sites, including mosques.
According to Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, the initiative was carried out without bias, targeting all religious sites to establish Mumbai as a "noise-free" and "loudspeaker-free" city. He emphasized that the action was not aimed at any single religious group, but was part of a broader campaign to reduce environmental noise levels.
However, the move has not been without backlash. Muslim organizations and religious leaders have expressed serious concern, arguing that mosques have been disproportionately affected. Several have pointed out that the enforcement appeared to focus primarily on Muslim places of worship, raising fears of religious discrimination.
In protest, five Muslim religious institutions have filed a petition in the Bombay High Court, challenging the manner in which the ban was enforced and the loudspeakers were removed.
With loudspeakers no longer permitted, many in Mumbai's Muslim community have turned to digital alternatives. The "Online Azan" app, developed by a Tamil Nadu-based company, has seen a surge in adoption. Numerous mosques are now using the app to notify worshippers of the five daily prayer times through mobile alerts and live audio streams.
The app has become a practical solution for worshippers who can no longer hear the Azaan in public spaces. While it offers convenience, religious leaders argue that digital tools are no substitute for the traditional call to prayer, which holds spiritual and cultural significance.
As the debate continues, legal proceedings are expected to shed more light on the implications of the court's directive and the government's enforcement strategy. Meanwhile, the affected communities are urging authorities to adopt a more inclusive and balanced approach that respects both environmental concerns and religious freedoms.
Source: Media Reports | Compiled by: dmtn1.com News Desk