Unlicensed loudspeakers in mosques, temples: HC dismisses plea

The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed a plea seeking a complete ban on the use of all unlicensed loudspeakers in mosques and temples here on grounds of noise pollution.

Dismissing the plea, a bench of Chief Justice G. Rohini and Justice Jayant Nath noted that Delhi Police has issued various directions and orders that have been referred to in the petition.

Delhi Police has also taken steps to deal with the violation of provisions pertaining to the use of loudspeakers, the bench said.

"Hence, in our opinion, no order can be passed as sought by the petitioners in the facts as projected in the present case. We may observe that our conclusions on the facts as stated in this petition do not relieve the respondents (police) of their responsibility to deal with the misuse of loudspeakers as per law," the bench said.

The court was hearing a public interest petition filed by Delhi residents Shashikant Bahl and Amit Kumar, who wanted the court to direct the removal of all unlicensed loudspeakers in mosques and temples.

Asking for the court's direction to the government to immediately remove unlicensed loudspeakers used in Madina Masjid (in Vasant Kunj area) and also loudspeakers in various shrines, mosques, temples in the city, they had said the loudspeakers were operated at very loud volumes early in the morning and continue till late at night.

The plea alleged that the Delhi government has failed to implement the provisions of law, standing orders and circulars, resulting in high levels of noise pollution.

The police, in its status report, informed the court that a meeting was organised between the petitioner and the 'maulvi' (priest) of Madina Masjid over the use of loudspeaker at very high volume and the latter had promised to reduce the volume.