Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has asked for prior permission to use loudspeakers in places of worship. Those wishing to operate the loudspeaker are advised to obtain a permit before the third of next month. Those that run without permission will then be removed.
Government sources said that the police would seize those who were operating louder than allowed. The decision was announced following a meeting between Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Home Minister Dilip Valse Patil. The Uddhav Thackeray government has made its position clear amid ongoing squabbles between various organizations over loudspeakers in places of worship.
The controversy was sparked by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Raj Thackeray’s statement that Hanuman Chalisa would be broadcast in front of mosques if loudspeakers were not removed.
Home Minister Dilip Wallace’s response was that no one would be allowed to destroy the atmosphere of religious harmony. Loudspeakers in places of worship, including temples and churches, are not removed. At the same time, the minister had made it clear that the laws regarding noise pollution would be tightened.
