Residents argue that they have been adhering to the guidelines set by the Supreme Court regarding the use of microphones.
Team Clarion
INDORE – The district administration in the Madhya Pradesh city of Indore had recently removed loudspeakers from all places of worship, citing an order from the state government. This has led to significant unrest among the local population and prompted a legal petition challenging the decision.
Residents argue that they have been adhering to the guidelines set by the Supreme Court regarding the use of microphones. “We are following the guidelines of the Supreme Court, so why is the state government imposing such restrictions,” a local resident asked.
In response to the petition, the Indore bench of the high court has directed the District Collector to examine the complaints against removal of loudspeakers from religious places, considering the Supreme Court’s directives. The court has instructed the collector to present a detailed explanation within 60 days, outlining the rationale behind either accepting or rejecting the applications.
Following the state government’s directive, the district and police administration removed loudspeakers from several religious sites across the province. While some locations saw peaceful compliance, others witnessed protests that were swiftly subdued by law enforcement.
Officials from various religious institutions met with police authorities, expressing their willingness to comply with the Supreme Court’s sound system guidelines. However, they reported that their proposals were dismissed. “We informed the police officer that we would use the sound system according to the Supreme Court’s guidelines, but were told to remove the loudspeakers for the sake of peace and order,” said Advocate Sheikh Aleem, representing the Azad Nagar Hussaini Masjid in Indore.
In light of this, members of the Azad Nagar Hussaini Masjid have filed a petition in the high court. Advocate Sheikh Aleem, alongside colleagues Imtiaz Ahmed and Alia Sheikh, argued that their clients were ready to adhere to the Supreme Court’s guideline of a maximum sound level of fifty decibels. “We are ready to comply with the Supreme Court’s sound system guidelines,” they said in the petition wondering why then loudspeakers were removed.
