The Government of Uttar Pradesh has made it clear that there will be no relaxation on the use of loudspeakers during the holy month of Ramzan. This announcement came during a Budget Session in the Assembly on Thursday, where the government cited binding orders from the Supreme Court of India that prohibit such exemptions. The issue sparked a heated debate after Samajwadi Party MLA Kamal Akhtar raised the topic during Zero Hour, suggesting that allowing mosques to make brief announcements through loudspeakers at the times of sehri (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (evening meal to break the fast) would provide significant relief to individuals observing fasting.

Traditional Announcements Highlighted

With Ramzan commencing on the same day, Akhtar emphasized the longstanding tradition of making announcements from mosques regarding the timings for sehri and iftar. He noted that similar considerations have been extended during festivals celebrated by various religious communities, including Holi, Diwali, and Dussehra, and argued that a comparable allowance should apply during Ramzan. Akhtar pointed out that the state government had recently removed loudspeakers from numerous religious sites and requested a limited exemption for this sacred period.

Government’s Position on Court Orders

In response to these concerns, Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna firmly rejected the proposal. He reiterated that the Supreme Court has explicitly stated that loudspeakers cannot be used after 10 PM, stressing that this restriction is not a mandate from the state government but a legal directive from the Supreme Court. The minister clarified that under the court’s regulations surrounding noise pollution, the use of loudspeakers and other sound-emitting devices is prohibited between 10 PM and 6 AM, with exceptions granted only for internal communications in closed venues such as auditoriums and conference halls.

Maintaining Compliance in Public Events

Khanna further noted that law enforcement is vigilant even during weddings, ensuring that any use of loudspeakers beyond the designated hours is addressed if complaints arise. He referenced the historical context of mosque announcements, explaining that this practice originated in a time before widely available clocks, where communities relied on the sun’s position for timekeeping. He argued that today, with most individuals possessing mobile phones that display accurate time, the necessity for loudspeaker announcements has diminished.

Dialogue on Religious Practices and Restrictions

While asserting that the government respects individual religious beliefs, Khanna maintained that the regulations concerning loudspeaker use are directly linked to Supreme Court directives rather than arbitrary state policies. Akhtar, however, contended that the court’s order pertains specifically to sound levels and does not equate to a complete ban on loudspeaker use. He reiterated his request for limited permissions during Ramzan, but the minister did not provide any further commentary on the issue.

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