INDIA: MUZAFFARNAGAR POLICE STRIP 55+ LOUDSPEAKERS FROM MOSQUES IN MAJOR CRACKDOWN

Fri 05 December 2025:

In a major enforcement drive against noise pollution, Muzaffarnagar police have removed more than 55 loudspeakers from various mosques across the city for violating Supreme Court-mandated sound limits, officials confirmed on Wednesday.

The action was carried out in areas under Civil Lines, Kotwali, and Khalapar police stations as part of a systematic campaign to ensure compliance with noise pollution regulations.

According to authorities, the loudspeakers exceeded the permissible decibel levels outlined in the Supreme Court’s guidelines and government directives on the use of sound-amplifying devices.

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Circle Officer (City) Sidharth Mishra stated that the district administration has issued strict instructions to caretakers and managements of all religious places—including mosques, temples, and gurdwaras—to adhere to the legal sound limits at all times.

“This drive is not targeted at any particular community but is aimed at enforcing the law uniformly across all religious institutions,” he emphasized.

The ongoing operation includes regular monitoring and verification of sound levels at places of worship and public gatherings. Authorities have warned that further violations will lead to additional removals and legal action.

The Supreme Court of India, through various judgments since 2005, has consistently upheld restrictions on noise pollution, particularly between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., and set maximum permissible sound levels in residential and silence zones.

The Muzaffarnagar administration’s move reflects a renewed push to implement these long-standing rules effectively.

The issue of mosque loudspeakers in India is a long-standing noise pollution dispute that has been heavily amplified and politicized by right-wing groups. These groups have turned a public health concern into a communal and political flashpoint, demanding a ban on the azaan (call to prayer) via external speakers and threatening counter-protests by playing Hindu devotional songs (bhajans).

Right-Wing Involvement and Politicization

Right-wing outfits, such as the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and the Sriram Sena, have seized upon the issue, transforming it from a general noise complaint into a targeted campaign against mosques.

Political Demands: Leaders like Raj Thackeray have issued ultimatums to state governments to remove mosque loudspeakers, threatening to play the Hanuman Chalisa at high volumes outside mosques if their demands are not met.
Counter-Protests: In states like Karnataka and Maharashtra, these groups have organized events playing loud bhajans and chanting provocative slogans outside mosques to protest the azaan.
Selective Enforcement Allegations: While right-wing groups demand strict enforcement against mosques, their own temple activities sometimes face scrutiny under the same laws, leading to accusations of selective targeting of the Muslim minority for political polarization.
Public Health vs. Communal Conflict: The politicization has largely overshadowed the original public health concern of noise pollution, creating communal tension and putting pressure on law enforcement to enforce rules uniformly across all religions.