Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: The Hindu Janjagruti Samiti has demanded a ban on the use of loudspeakers for azan as per the orders of teh High Court.
The HJP delegation met the North Goa Collector and submitted a memorandum demanding the ban.
“In response to a Petition filed by Varun Priolkar in March 2021, in the Goa Bench of Bombay High Court against the usage of the illegal loudspeakers by the Mosques for
Azan, citing his fundamental right as per Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000, the High Court issued a writ directing the Additional Collector to address the complaint of Varun,” the memorandum said. Further, the memorandum added that the Additional District Magistrate, who, after listening to the complaint of Varun and seeking a response from the Mosques, has passed an order against the Mosques directing them not to use loudspeakers/ public address system/ any other sound-producing instruments without prior permission from the concerned authority.
HJS further said that the Court further ordered that if permission is sought, the concerned authority may deal with it according to Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000.
“Police have also been directed to keep a regular watch on the said Mosques and ensure they comply with the said order. Despite the above order and directions, it is seen that the noise problem from the Mosques in Goa continues by using loudspeakers for the purpose of azan. Due to the loud noise of azan from loudspeakers, everyone is forced to hear the loud prayer irrespective of their religion,” HJS said.
“This is definitely not freedom of religion. Using the same principles, if all the other religions start putting up loudspeakers in their religious places, it will be a
big problem to all the citizens,” they said.
Basically, HJS said the use of loudspeakers for azan is not mandatory or essential part of Islam
as loudspeakers were invented in the 19th Century, and no loudspeakers were used before that for Azan.
“In Muslim countries like Saudi Arabia, the use of loudspeakers for azan is banned. In Goa, the Muslim population is just 8.33% as per the 2011 census. India is a secular and democratic country. As mentioned by the Supreme Court, sleep is the fundamental right
of every Indian citizen, but this right of the majority of the population is encroached upon by the use of loud noises of loudspeakers for early azan in morning hours i.e. before 6 am. Which also violates the noise pollution act daily,” HJS said.
It added, “This also creates a disturbance to many small babies and old aged patients. We hereby request you to act on directions given by Court and please issue orders to remove illegal noise creating loudspeakers. Kindly take action against erring officials and make Goa free from the noise pollution of loudspeakers”.