A controversy has emerged in West Bengal after several mosque committees claimed that local police verbally asked them to remove loudspeakers used for the azan. The allegations have drawn strong reactions from Muslim leaders, who warned of statewide protests if the issue is not resolved.
The dispute follows the state government’s decision to enforce court-directed noise pollution rules at all religious places. These rules limit sound levels to 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night. According to the government, loudspeakers at both mosques and temples must keep sound within their premises.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari defended the move, stating that the administration is only implementing court orders. While maintaining that police were instructed not to use force, he claimed that 5,299 loudspeakers had been taken down from places of worship, including 4,203 from mosques and 1,096 from temples.
Muslim leaders, including members of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind and the Indian Secular Front, have questioned the manner of enforcement and demanded clear official guidelines. Meanwhile, the BJP has rejected the criticism, saying legal compliance should apply equally to all religious institutions.