Loudspeakers Not Essential to Any Religious Practices, Public Interest Prevails : Court Reaffirms
- Case Name: Jaago Nehru Nagar Residents Welfare Association vs Commissioner of Police
- Judge(s): J. Ajay Gadkari and Shyam Chandak
- Advocate(s): Adv. Kaushik Mhatre, Jayesh Yagnik
The Bombay and Allahabad High Courts have recently emphasised that using loudspeakers is not an essential religious practice under Articles 19 and 25 of the Constitution.
The Bombay HC directed Mumbai Police to enforce Noise Pollution Rules strictly, 2000, capping noise levels at 55 decibels during the day and 45 at night. It ordered fines under Section 136 of the Maharashtra Police Act and seizure of loudspeakers for repeated violations.
Similarly, the Allahabad HC dismissed a plea to install loudspeakers at a mosque, citing public nuisance concerns. Both courts underscored public harmony over individual or institutional preferences.
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