Synopsis
On March 9, 2023, police in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal district confiscated loudspeakers from a mosque due to violations of noise regulations, leading to an FIR against the Imam. This action is part of a broader effort to control noise pollution from places of worship, initiated by the Uttar Pradesh government.Key Takeaways
- Loudspeakers removed from Mosque Punjabian in Sambhal.
- Violation of Allahabad High Court guidelines noted.
- Imam Shakeel Shamsi charged in the FIR.
- Over 3,000 illegal loudspeakers removed statewide.
- Uttar Pradesh government enforces strict noise control measures.
New Delhi, March 9 (NationPress) The loudspeakers of a mosque located in Sambhal district, Uttar Pradesh were confiscated for breaching regulations regarding noise control from religious sites, as stated by a police representative on Sunday.
The loudspeakers were taken down from Mosque Punjabian due to excessively loud announcements, according to an official from the Chandosi Police station.
The First Information Report (FIR) indicated that the volume levels of the loudspeakers violated the directives established by the Allahabad High Court, prompting the patrolling officers to dismantle the horn-shaped loudspeakers.
This action was reported by beat constable Jitender Kumar on Saturday around 7 p.m., as per the FIR.
The FIR also mentioned the mosque's Imam, Shakeel Shamsi, son of Abdul Shamad Shamsi.
The FIR was filed under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for 223 (Disobedience to lawful orders), 270 (Public nuisance), and 292 (Punishment for public nuisance). Additionally, violations of noise pollution laws were included in the FIR.
In 2022, the government of Uttar Pradesh, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, issued a series of guidelines aimed at regulating loudspeaker usage in places of worship.
This initiative, which followed incidents of communal unrest during religious events, led to the removal of over 3,000 unauthorized loudspeakers from various religious sites.
The regulations mandate that loudspeakers must be installed within the premises of a shrine and any external installations are subject to removal by authorities.
In January of this year, the Allahabad High Court remarked that places of worship exist primarily for divine prayers, and the use of loudspeakers cannot be regarded as a right.
Demonstrating a strict stance against the disturbances caused by loudspeaker misuse, Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Donadi Ramesh made these remarks while dismissing a petition from a resident of Pilibhit district requesting permission to install loudspeakers in mosques.
