Former MP Rahul Shewale promises to take up the matter with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde soon
MUMBAI— Trustees of several mosques in Mumbai met former Member of Parliament Rahul Shewale over the weekend to express serious concerns about repeated police notices and pressure regarding the use of loudspeakers during prayers. The trustees said that police action has intensified in recent days, with notices being sent almost daily to different mosques, causing stress and confusion in the Muslim community.
The meeting took place at the former MP’s Chembur office, where trustees from different localities, including Cheetah Camp and nearby areas, gathered to discuss the issue. They urged Shewale to raise the matter with higher authorities and protect the constitutional rights of Muslims to practise their religion peacefully.
Abdul Samad from Nur Masjid was among the trustees who met the former MP. He said, “We are not doing anything illegal. The use of loudspeakers is part of our tradition, and we have always followed the legal guidelines. But the police are issuing notices almost every day, and it feels like harassment.”
Another trustee, Nasar Hasan of Falah Muslim, added, “We are peace-loving citizens. But this kind of pressure from the police is making it difficult for us to run the mosques without fear.”
Other trustees who were present at the meeting included Rafiq Shaikh from Masjid Maeraj, Abdul Gani from Islamiya Masjid, Asad Sanjar and Mohammad Younus from Masjid Gulshan-e-Baghdad, Advocate Mohammad Irfan from Pachheli Pada Jama Masjid, Mahmood Alam from Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadees Masjid, and Mohammad Vadij from Gharbao Ahl-e-Hadees Masjid.
They all shared similar complaints — that mosque authorities were being unfairly targeted and that the police were acting under pressure from political or communal forces.
Rahul Shewale, after hearing the concerns in detail, made a phone call to Sameer Shaikh, Deputy Commissioner of Police for Zone 6, to discuss the matter directly. According to those present, Shewale was firm in requesting that the police take a more balanced and sensitive approach, especially when dealing with religious matters.
He then assured the delegation that he would soon hold a larger meeting on this issue with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
“This is not just your problem; it is a city-wide issue,” Shewale told the trustees. “I will make sure that a serious discussion takes place at the Mumbai level. We will soon meet Deputy Chief Minister and find a way to resolve this matter peacefully and respectfully.”
Some trustees believe that the notices are not just a result of general policy but part of a larger pattern of selective action. They pointed out that loudspeakers from other religious places are often ignored, while mosques are singled out.
Advocate Mohammad Irfan raised this point clearly: “Why is only the Muslim community being told to lower or remove their speakers? If there is a law, it should apply to everyone equally. But we are seeing selective enforcement, and that is unacceptable.”
He further said, “Religious freedom is our constitutional right. The use of loudspeakers is part of our religious expression. The government must take steps to stop this discrimination.”
With little relief coming from the police or local authorities, the mosque trustees are now turning to political leaders. The hope is that pressure from elected representatives can help bring a fair solution and stop the ongoing intimidation.
Mohammad Younus from Masjid Gulshan-e-Baghdad said, “We are not asking for any special favour. We are only asking to be treated equally and with respect. Our mosques have served the community for decades, and now we are being pushed against the wall.”
Many Muslims in Mumbai fear that the campaign against mosque loudspeakers is part of a broader attempt to suppress their identity and limit their religious rights in public spaces.
The regular visits by police officials and legal notices have caused a sense of fear and panic among mosque management committees. Some mosques have even started lowering the volume or stopping the use of loudspeakers to avoid trouble, especially during early morning prayers.
Rafiq Shaikh from Masjid Maeraj said, “We feel helpless. The police come with legal notices, and we don’t have the resources to keep fighting in court. That’s why we are appealing to leaders like Rahul Shewale to speak for us.”
Community elders and scholars have also begun raising their voices on this issue. Many believe that targeting Muslim practices under the excuse of noise pollution is unfair and unjustified.
Abdul Gani from Islamiya Masjid said, “We are always ready to follow rules, but those rules should be equal for all. We cannot accept one-sided actions that only focus on Muslims. If noise is a problem, then make it a rule for all religious places.”
Advocate Mohammad Irfan urged the Muslim community to stay united and be aware of their legal rights. He said legal support groups are being formed to help mosques deal with these notices and respond properly under the law. “No one should feel alone. If a mosque gets a notice, it should immediately seek legal advice and contact other mosque committees for support,” he said.
“We want peace, not conflict,” said Mahmood Alam. “But if this continues, it will create tension in the city, and that is not good for anyone.”
The date for the meeting with the Deputy CM has not been fixed yet, but the trustees say they are preparing their documents and will present a united voice.
