Loudspeakers Removed From Mosques In Bengal? TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee Moves High Court

Kolkata: The controversy regarding removal of loudspeakers from mosques in West Bengal has now reached the Calcutta High Court. A PIL has alleged that police officers are pressuring the management of mosques and other religious places in several districts to remove loudspeakers. The petitioner has claimed that loudspeakers have been removed from about 4,000 mosques. However, the state government has sought time to respond to these allegations and the court has not issued any interim order at this time. The next hearing of the case will be on August 18.

What is the allegation of removing loudspeakers from mosques?

It has been alleged in the petition that in many parts of West Bengal including Hooghly, the police verbally instructed the operators of religious places to remove loudspeakers. The petitioner says that no written order, notification or official circular was issued for this. It is also alleged in the petition that the police put pressure on religious institutions to take action without checking the prescribed standards of noise pollution.

Where did the figure of 4000 mosques come from?

During the hearing, senior advocate Kalyan Banerjee claimed before the court that loudspeakers installed for Azaan have been removed from about 4,000 mosques. The court questioned the basis of this figure and asked what the solid basis is for such a huge claim in the petition. On this, it was said on behalf of the petitioner that this number is related to a statement given by the chief minister in the Assembly.

What did the High Court ask from the state government?

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty and Justice Aturup Banerjee sought information from the West Bengal government on this entire matter. The court asked the state advocate general whether any such action had actually been taken by the police or the government. The advocate general, on behalf of the state government, sought time to take instructions on the matter. The court then decided to proceed with the hearing.

What did the state government say on the allegations?

Questions were raised on the allegations made in the petition by the government. The state's counsel said that the name of any mosque has not been mentioned in the petition where the police removed the loudspeaker. It was also asked that if the police had given such instructions then why was no complaint made by the Imam or the management of the concerned mosque. The government also demanded the court dismiss the petition.

What argument did Kalyan Banerjee give in the court?

Senior advocate and TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee, appearing for the petitioner, said that the use of loudspeakers can be controlled as per the prescribed noise limit and rules, but verbal instructions cannot be given for their complete removal. He demanded from the court that the use of loudspeakers should continue to be allowed at religious places as per the rules.

Is the matter limited only to loudspeakers of mosques?

Amidst the controversy, the state government has also said that police action is not limited to any one religion or community. According to information quoting Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, loudspeakers used at religious places are being checked on the basis of prescribed standards of noise pollution. The government says the purpose of the action is to ensure compliance with the rules.

What decision has the court given at present?

The High Court has not yet given any interim order banning the removal of loudspeakers. The court said that first it is necessary to present the state government's side and concrete facts related to the allegations. The next hearing of the case will be on August 18. The government is expected to give detailed information regarding the police action on that day.