Maharashtra Government Removes Loudspeakers from 3367 Religious Sites; CM Fadnavis Says Law Applies Equally to All; Police to be Responsible for Violations.
Maharashtra: A significant administrative decision has been made in Maharashtra regarding the use of loudspeakers at religious sites. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the Assembly that the state government has removed loudspeakers from 3367 religious sites so far. He clearly stated that the government respects all religions, but the law applies equally to everyone.
Loudspeaker Issue Raised in the Assembly
BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar raised the issue of noise pollution caused by loudspeakers at religious sites during the question hour in the Maharashtra Assembly. He said that citizens face daily inconvenience due to this and the government should take concrete action.
Government's Action to Date
Responding to the question, Chief Minister Fadnavis said that the state government has taken this matter seriously and has removed loudspeakers from 3367 religious sites so far. He also specifically stated that there are no illegal loudspeakers playing at any religious site in Mumbai city. More than 1600 loudspeakers have been removed in Mumbai.
Action if Loudspeakers Are Reinstalled in the Future
The CM also clarified that if loudspeakers are reinstalled at any religious site in the future, the concerned officer of the police station in that area will be held responsible. He said that the state government has also determined a clear Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in this regard.
Loudspeakers Completely Banned After 10 PM
Fadnavis told the Assembly that the use of loudspeakers is completely prohibited after 10 PM. Playing traditional musical instruments is permitted, but playing electronic loudspeakers or horns is forbidden. On some special occasions and religious festivals, the government had temporarily given relaxation up to 12 AM, but this is not a permanent provision.
Balance Between Law and Religious Faith Necessary
Chief Minister Fadnavis also said that the government's effort is to respect the faith of all religions, but at the same time, ensure that citizens get relief from noise pollution. He reiterated that the Maharashtra government is not against any religion, but when it comes to public order and adherence to the law, the rules should be the same for everyone.
Rules to be Enforced Strictly Under SOP
Under the SOP prepared by the government, the police and administration have been given the authority to take immediate action on violations of time limits. At the same time, the local administration has also been instructed to obtain prior permission for loudspeakers in any religious event and to adhere to the sound limits.
