Residents question why noise pollution rules are enforced selectively, disproportionately targeting Muslim religious places while ignoring major Hindu festivals
FIROZABAD — Authorities have recently removed loudspeakers from several religious places, including the Karbala Mosque and the mosque in Gali No. 5 of this Uttar Pradesh city, citing violation of noise pollution rules. While the administration claims the move was intended to enforce Supreme Court guidelines and local regulations, concerns have emerged over the perceived one-sided nature of the operation.
On Friday, under the supervision of SP City Ravishankar Prasad, police conducted an operation in line with the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. The operation included the participation of the Area Traffic Officer, SHO of Thana Dakshin, and the local police team. According to authorities, the loudspeakers at the Karbala Mosque were removed because they allegedly exceeded permissible sound levels.
“Our goal is to ensure that no loudspeaker is used without permission or beyond the standard noise limits. This action is in accordance with Supreme Court orders,” said SP City Ravishankar Prasad. “We take noise pollution seriously, and enforcement will continue.”
Residents, however, have expressed doubts over the impartiality of the police action, noting that loudspeakers and music at Hindu festivals and public events often go unchecked. Human rights groups supporting the residents’ claims argue that selective enforcement raises questions about bias against Muslim communities.
“We are not against noise control, but why is only our mosque targeted? During major Hindu festivals, loud music and DJ systems operate without any police action,” said Irfan Qureshi, a resident near Karbala Mosque.
The campaign reportedly included checking sound levels at sensitive and designated areas. Loudspeakers found exceeding permissible limits were either removed or adjusted to comply with regulations. Authorities insist that the action was aimed solely at reducing noise and ensuring adherence to the law.
“Police ensured that the loudspeaker’s sound did not exceed limits beyond the premises. The operation was standard procedure,” said Inspector Anil Sharma, part of the local enforcement team.
Despite official claims, residents of Firozabad allege that the action disproportionately affects Muslim religious sites, while loud noise from major festivals in predominantly Hindu areas often receives leniency. This perception has led to growing concerns about communal bias in law enforcement.
“We feel targeted because our mosques are regularly checked, whereas noise during large Hindu celebrations is largely ignored,” said Razia Begum, a local community leader.
Such selective enforcement, according to residents, undermines trust in the police and risks escalating communal tensions in the city.
Police officials maintain that the campaign is not religiously motivated. “The operation is purely about controlling noise pollution and enforcing regulations. We are committed to continuing this drive across all communities as required,” said SP Prasad.
Authorities have assured residents that the campaign will remain ongoing, with the aim of keeping all religious and public spaces within legal noise limits.
Human rights groups and residents have urged the police to implement noise regulations equitably across all religious communities. They emphasise that enforcement must be transparent to avoid perceptions of communal bias.
“Noise pollution control is important, but selective action erodes public confidence and raises fears among minorities,” said Dr Shabana Khan, a civil rights activist.
Meanwhile, Muslim residents in Firozabad continue to express concern about the impact on their religious practices, particularly in mosques where loudspeakers are often used to broadcast calls to prayer.
“We want to follow the rules, but we also want to be treated fairly. Our prayers should not be silenced while others are allowed to make noise freely,” said Irfan Qureshi.
