Mosque loudspeaker row: Ajit Pawar directs police not to take any wrongful action
In the meeting with Muslim leaders and top police officials on the removal of loudspeakers from mosques in Mumbai, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar on Wednesday (June 25, 2025) directed police not to take any wrongful actions while instructing Kirit Somaiya not to visit the mosque, citing potential law and order issues.
This comes after the delegation of Muslim leaders complained of campaigns against loudspeakers by Mr. Somaiya in several areas of Mumbai, as well as police action on removing the loudspeakers. Despite compliance with the Court's order of permissible noise levels under 56 decibels, Muslim representatives alleged that police have been harassing mosque committees.
Samajwadi Party state chief Abu Azmi said, 'One person like Kirit Somaiya has created pressure in Mumbai. Muslims are targeted and harassed.'
The delegation consisted of Muslim leaders Nawab Malik, Zeeshan Siddique, Abu Azmi, Waris Pathan, Sana Malik, Jallal Uddin, and Siddharth Kamble, who also accused the police of falling to political pressure. At the meeting, State DGP Rashmi Shukla and Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti were also present.
'Police are unlawfully removing the sound systems, fueling tensions. What is the problem with Azaan? It has been there for years,' said AIMIM's Waris Pathan.
'The delegation also demanded a one-window permission system, wherein the permission for loudspeakers could be taken from only one place. However, the decision will be taken in the next meeting,' said Zeeshan Siddique.
During the meeting, Police Commissioner Deven Bharti demonstrated that adhering to the 46-56 decibel limit set by the High Court might be impractical. Ajit Pawar instructed the police commissioner and director general of police to take action against those violating the rules but emphasised that no wrongful actions should be taken. 'The police commissioner reported that 1500 loudspeakers had been removed in Mumbai,' said Mr. Waris.
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