Former MP Kirit Somaiya claims 70% of loudspeakers in Mumbai’s Shivaji Nagar, Govandi mosques are illegal
Team Clarion
MUMBAI – Unauthorised loudspeakers in mosques should be strictly dealt with and violations must be punishable by up to three months in jail or heavy fines, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former MP Kirit Somaiya said here on Monday.
Speaking at a press conference, Somaiya alleged that approximately 500 loudspeakers across 72 mosques in Mumbai’s Shivaji Nagar and Govandi areas lack legal permission, with 70% of the mosques themselves being “illegally constructed.”
“For the past six months, we have been investigating mosques where loudspeakers were installed without approval,” Somaiya said. “Land jihad is being carried out in the name of building mosques. The police must enforce the government’s rules strictly.”
The BJP leader clarified that he does not oppose loudspeakers inside mosques but criticised the use of multiple devices causing excessive noise. “Installing five loudspeakers and blaring sound that disturbs the public is unacceptable,” he said.
He further demanded that police install sound metering machines in mosques to monitor noise levels, citing high court directives. “Immediate action should follow if rules are violated,” he added.
According to Somaiya, around 7,000 loudspeakers are operational across 175 mosques in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, but only 1,200 have official police authorisation.
While the announcement has drawn support from those advocating noise control, community leaders have expressed concerns over selective enforcement.
“We comply with noise regulations, but such statements create unnecessary tension,” said Mohammad Aslam, a trustee of a Govandi mosque. “Authorities should engage with religious bodies instead of making unilateral decisions.”
The Maharashtra government has yet to issue an official statement clarifying the guidelines or implementation process.
