Loudspeaker ban may lead to law and order problems: Petition in HC
Endorsed by 22,900 signatories including senior citizens, women and youth, it makes several points about why the issue is of 'grave public concern'.
The petition, of which Hindustan Times has a copy, was filed on July 4, 2025 by the Hazrat Khwaja Garib Nawaz Welfare Association through its general secretary Mohammed Yusuf Umar Ansari. It seeks to protect and preserve the security of mosques, dargahs, temples, churches and gurudwaras with respect to use of loudspeakers.
Threat to peace
The petition alleges that the principal secretary of the state home department, acting under instructions from political leaders, have removed loudspeakers from the 24 mosques spread across Malad, Worli, Lower Parel, Wadala, Govandi and Mankhurd. Cases have also been filed against trustees, maulanas (clerics) and muezzins of the 24 mosques, it notes.
'Some leaders from the right-wing are making inflammatory statements against Islam and Muslims and some anti-social elements have started disturbing the peace in the state,' it says. 'There is an apprehension that fringe antisocial elements may create anarchy…which might lead to stopping government authorities from performing their duties.'
Noise level, azaan duration
The azaan, a call for congregation at the mosque to offer Namaz, is 'a matter of religion and faith going on for years together,' the PIL says. Its transmission via loudspeakers does not cross the permissible noise levels, it notes. For reference, it cites World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, which categorise sounds above 65 decibel (dB) as noise pollution. It also cites the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, which categorise areas into industrial, commercial, residential, and silence zones, with permissible noise levels ranging 40-75 dB.
The azaan lasts for only for about three minutes and its transmission, unaccompanied by any instruments or other sound, is hardly enough to qualify as noise pollution and cause health hazards, the PIL states. It references a 2023 Gujarat high court order in Dharmendra Vishnubhai Prajapati Vs State of Gujarat, wherein the court had observed, 'It is pertinent to note that use of loudspeakers in mosques for azaan, though five times a day, is only for 10 minutes or less at a stretch. We fail to understand as to how the human voice making azaan through loudspeakers in the morning, evening or any other hour of day…could meet the high decibel level.'
Prayer for intervention
The PIL says though several complaints and applications were filed with the state police and the principal secretary of the home department between June 2024 to June 2025 regarding allowing loudspeakers within permissible sound levels at the 24 mosques and harassment of their officials, there was no relief.
The PIL requests the court to intervene in the matter to permit the use of loudspeakers within noise limits, direct authorities not to harass the mosque officials, and take action against political leaders over hate speeches and inflammatory comments.
'Preserve the sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic nation and maintain fraternity now, as the destruction threat of few organisations and few political leaders may target the mosques and dargahs in near future,' the PIL said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Rs 75 crore safari park, tourist facilities to be developed in Barda sanctuary area: Gujarat CM
Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], August 10 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said that lions have today emerged as a global symbol of India's pride. He made the remarks at the World Lion Day celebrations held on Sunday at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in the Devbhumi Dwarka district. On the occasion, wishing lion and nature lovers worldwide, the Chief Minister recalled Lord Krishna's Gita message to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra: 'Among animals, I am the lion.' Productivity Tool Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide By Metla Sudha Sekhar View Program Finance Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory By Dinesh Nagpal View Program Finance Financial Literacy i e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By CA Rahul Gupta View Program Digital Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By Neil Patel View Program Finance Technical Analysis Demystified- A Complete Guide to Trading By Kunal Patel View Program Productivity Tool Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By Study at home View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program Expressing joy that after a long gap of 143 years, lions have naturally started reinhabiting Barda hills, he added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced all necessary support facilities for lion conservation in Barda. Due to the PM's vision and the proactive practices of the Forest Department, the successful conservation story of lions in Gir has gained global recognition. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Wildlife Cameras Capture What No One Should See Ohi Blog Undo To ensure that the glory of our 'Vanraj' (Lion King) remains intact and continues to grow in the future, the PM has launched 'Project Lion', covering lion habitat and population management, wildlife health, human-animal conflict, cooperation of local people, tourism development, scientific research and training, eco-development, and biodiversity conservation. He said that under the PM's guidance, wildlife conservation has been prioritised, raising the lion population from 674 to 891, a source of pride for all. "PM has always considered the conservation of nature, the environment, and animals as our responsibility". Stating this, the Chief Minister added that an emotional and economic bond has developed between the local people and the Gir lions. Over the past two and a half decades, the lion's range has expanded from 3 to 11 districts, nurturing the sentiment among locals: 'If the lion exists, we exist; if we exist, the lion exists.'" Live Events He further stated that recently, a Project Lion document titled 'Lion @2047: Vision for Amrit Kaal' has been released. This Project Lion @2047 will play a significant role in effectively managing the growing lion population, securing and restoring lion habitats, generating employment, and increasing community participation. The government is working for the holistic development of the area alongside the development of wildlife tourism. Inaugurating development works worth Rs 180 crore for the conservation of forests and wildlife and the development of the tourism sector, the Chief Minister added that in the Barda sanctuary area, a new safari park and tourist facilities will soon be undertaken at a cost of Rs 75 crore. For the protection of wildlife in forest areas, 247 new vehicles are being added to the Forest Department for patrolling, monitoring, and animal rescue operations. He said an online portal now enables booking of the state's 24 ecotourism sites, which will boost local industries and handicrafts. Citing the Prime Minister's 'Vocal for Local' call, he urged strengthening the rural economy by buying indigenous goods. Referring to Viksit Bharat @2047, he said that in this Amrit Kaal, under the Prime Minister's leadership, India will swiftly become the world's third-largest economy. On this occasion, Union Minister for Forest and Environment Bhupender Yadav conveyed best wishes for the inauguration of new habitats and innovative projects of the Forest and Environment Department. He further added that under the leadership of the PM, the state government has successfully fulfilled its strong commitment to the conservation and protection of wildlife. It is a matter of pride that Asiatic lions are found only in the Gir region of Gujarat. Under the guidance of the PM for nature conservation and under the leadership of the CM, the state government's dedicated efforts have resulted in a 17 per cent increase in the number of lions. Amid global climate challenges, the PM has given the world a new direction with his action plan for renewable energy and climate change. He noted the unique bond between Gir's pastoralists and lions as a model of harmony, adding that India's ecocentrism inspires the world. He said that the National Wildlife Board meeting held last year in Sasan, where the PM resolved to boost Gujarat's lion population and develop Barda Sanctuary as a new habitat, has been fulfilled under CM Bhupendra Patel's leadership. The Union Minister added that due to climate change, problems like heavy rains and cyclones are emerging. To address this, PM has undertaken initiatives such as the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the International Solar Alliance. In addition, the 'International Big Cat Alliance' has been established globally. Conservation efforts have been made for five of the seven big cat species that reside in India. The Prime Minister has advanced multiple projects for wildlife conservation, including Project Lion, Project Tiger , Project Dolphin, and Project Cheetah . Efforts must be made to establish harmonious relationships between humans and nature for nature conservation. He added that with the re-habitation of lions in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary after many decades, new energy is flowing into Barda's biodiversity, which will boost ecotourism. Prime Minister has initiated 'Mission LiFE' and the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Abhiyan' to combat climate change. 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Abhiyan' is the biggest pledge for our lifestyle, our connection with nature, and its protection. He urged everyone to support Viksit Bharat by planting more trees for a prosperous India. State Forest Minister Mulubhai Bera said World Lion Day is being celebrated outside Gir for the first time at Barda Sanctuary, home to Gujarat's pride, the Asiatic lions. The Prime Minister's vision and conservation efforts have boosted the state's lion population, with advanced technology used for the first time to count them. After 143 years, lions are reinhabiting Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, located near Timbdi in Bhanvad taluka of Devbhumi Dwarka district. Barda is home to more than 400 medicinal plants, the 6th-century Navlakha Temple, various religious places, and natural waterfalls. As a result, lions have accepted Barda Sanctuary as their second home. The Chief Minister announced the inauguration and foundation-laying of works and schemes worth Rs 180.12 crore. At Barda Sanctuary, the Chief Minister announced a new safari park, an interpretation center, and tourist facilities over an area of 248 hectares, to be developed at a cost of Rs 75 crore. In addition, breeding centres for herbivore conservation programmes will be built at a cost of Rs 10.96 crore, 137 eco-development works will be carried out in forest settlement villages and eco-sensitive zones at a cost of Rs 7.57 crore, and community development works in 720 villages under the JICA project will be undertaken at a cost of Rs 3562 crore. Other works include a wildlife rescue center and quick response system at a cost of Rs 7 crore, Swaichhik Sthalantaran Yojana (voluntary relocation scheme) for pastoralists in the Barda area at a cost of Rs 21 crore, 20 residential units and office buildings for frontline staff at a cost of Rs 9.94 crore, caracal conservation in Chadva Rakhal at a cost of Rs 5 crore, insurance and health cover for trackers in the Gir area under CSR at a cost of Rs 65 lakh, and the provision of 3 rescue vehicles, 200 bikes, and 44 utility vehicles for patrolling and monitoring at a cost of Rs 6.98 crore. The booking portal for 24 ecotourism sites was also launched.
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
7,900 students take part in 'Tiranga Run' in Delhi as part of 79th Independence Day celebrations
As part of the Delhi government's celebrations for the 79th Independence Day, 7,900 students took part in a 'Tiranga Run' from Thyagaraj Stadium to the National War Memorial here on Sunday. Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood flagged off the Tiranga Run to pay tribute to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the country, in line with the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign at Thyagraj Stadium in New Delhi. ( HT PHOTO / Hindustan Times) Flagged off by Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood, the run was organised by the Directorate of Education under the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign and the theme 'Dilli Uthe Garv Se' (Delhi Rises with Pride), a statement said. Holding the national flag, the participants covered the symbolic route to pay tribute to freedom fighters and armed forces personnel who laid down their lives for the country, it added. "This is not merely a race but a celebration of India's unity, patriotism and the indomitable spirit of its citizens," Sood said. The event allowed Delhiites to come together to mark independence and reaffirm their resolve to build a strong and prosperous nation, he added. The minister recalled the courage of the Indian Army during Operation Sindoor and urged the youth to uphold the values of unity, integrity and national security. Sood also described the run as a tribute to unsung heroes of the freedom struggle and called upon citizens to 'run with the tricolour' to keep their memories alive.
Mint
2 hours ago
- Mint
India emerging as global education hub amid stricter foreign admissions, visa challenges
New Delhi [India], August 10 (ANI): As global universities tighten their admission policies and visa challenges grow, India is rising as a global education hub, prompting many students to rethink their study-abroad plans, according to several top officials of educational institutions. Top officials of many eminent educational institutions said that initiatives such as e-Student and e-Student-X visas are making it easier for international learners to access Indian educational institutions. Speaking on the trend, Amruta Ruikar, Head of International Admissions and Promotions, Symbiosis International University, said, "India is not just reforming education - we're reimagining our role in the global academic community. With the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 as our foundation, we're opening pathways for joint degrees, credit transfers, and cross-border collaborations." "Programs like Study in India, ICCR scholarships, and GIAN reflect a clear intent: to make India a destination, not just a departure point, for quality education. New steps like the e-Student and e-Student-X visas are making it easier for international learners to access our institutions. But beyond policies, what truly sets us apart is our willingness to welcome, especially students from regions facing economic or political uncertainty," she further added. Experts further added that the Indian institutions are stepping in with an alternative that combines globally benchmarked curricula, interdisciplinary programs and rich international exposure. Dr Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor of Mahindra University, said, "If Indian higher education is to compete with the world's best, we must go beyond traditional metrics and reimagine student experience. That means investing not just in infrastructure or curriculum, but in nurturing interdisciplinary thinking, global partnerships, and cultural agility. At Mahindra University, we've already partnered with prestigious institutions such as Virginia Tech, CentraleSupelec, and Babson College, among others." Going further, the education experts suggested that to continue this trend, India will need continuous structural reform in the education sector. "The scope for Indian universities to lead global academic innovation is growing, but it must be backed by continuous structural reform", said Dr Kannan, Director, SRM Group of Institutions, Ramapuram and Tiruchirappalli. "We need sustained public and private investments in digital learning, research, and student life, alongside policies that support academic autonomy and international mobility. At SRMIST Trichy, we've signed MoUs with reputed bodies like the Officers Training Academy (OTA), ICAR-NRCB, and L&T EduTech, which promote joint research, faculty exchange, and advanced skill development. Many Indian universities now hold Institution of Eminence (IoE) status, which includes structured partnerships with foreign universities, further strengthening India's global education appeal", he further added. The experts highlighted that initiatives like the Study in India portal and financial aid for foreign students have simplified access while setting the tone for a more integrated and inclusive system. They said that by scaling up, raising academic excellence, and building robust global partnerships, Indian universities are now emerging as strong contenders, giving tough competition to their global counterparts. According to a recent report by rating agency ICRA, India's higher education institutions are expected to record a revenue growth of 9-11 per cent in FY2026, driven by expanding seat capacities, rising enrolments and the introduction of new courses. (ANI)
