Loudspeaker ban in Mumbai mosques triggers concern

MUMBAI: Indian authorities have imposed a ban on the use of loudspeakers for the call to prayer (Azan) in mosques across Mumbai, triggering concern among the Muslim community.

According to media reports, the move comes after a recent directive by the Mumbai High Court regarding noise pollution. The ban has been enforced citywide by local police under the instructions of the Modi-led government.

As a result, Muslims in Mumbai can no longer hear Azaan through loudspeakers and are now turning to digital Azaan apps as an alternative.

Police Commissioner Deven Bharti has stated that Mumbai police successfully completed an operation to remove public address systems from all religious sites across the city, declaring Mumbai a “noise-free city.”

According to the commissioner, the operation was carried out without targeting any specific community. P

olice officials insist the move was in line with recent court directives on noise pollution and aimed at enforcing equal compliance from all religious institutions.

On the other hand, 5 Muslim religious institutions filed a petition in the Mumbai High Court challenging the way to remove the loudspeaker.