NAGPUR — The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court (BHC) has dismissed a petition by Masjid Gousiya (Gondia district, Maharashtra) seeking restoration of loudspeaker-based calls to prayer, ruling that loudspeakers are not an essential part of religious practice.
A division bench of Justices Anil Pansare and Raj Wakode held that the petitioners failed to produce any legal or religious text showing a mandatory right to use loudspeakers for prayer. Relying on earlier rulings of the apex court, the judges observed that “no religion prescribes prayers be performed by disturbing the peace of others through voice amplifiers or drum beating.”
The court further emphasised that freedom of religion does not extend to forcing amplified sound on those who do not wish to hear it — including children, the elderly, and the unwell — who have a constitutional right to “reasonable quietness.”
The Times of India
In the decision dated December 1, 2025, the bench not only rejected the petition but also took suo motu cognizance of widespread noise pollution in Nagpur. The judges directed authorities to address recurring violations of noise norms and explore effective solutions to curb public nuisance.
“Noise pollution is a serious threat to public health and welfare. It causes ‘fight or flight’ syndrome, releasing cortisol and other harmful chemicals into the bloodstream,” the court said.
Over time, these chemicals build up in the body, leading to a host of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, aggression, chronic fatigue, headaches, high blood pressure, mental illness and anxiety, it added.
The court said that noise pollution can cause hearing damage, and if it exceeds 120 decibels, it can cause eardrum rupture.
