In Bengal, many mosques remove loudspeakers after police warnings, say Imams
In Bengal Many Mosques Remove Loudspeakers After Police Warnings
Bharatmorningnews.com – In Bengal many mosques remove loudspeakers following recent police directives, according to religious leaders across West Bengal. The decision came after local police stations issued verbal guidance to mosque committees, prompting widespread action on Wednesday. Prominent Muslim clerics confirmed that numerous places of worship have complied with these informal instructions.
Legal Questions Surface
Maulana Muhammad Shafique Qasmi, the Imam of Kolkata’s Nakhoda Mosque—the largest in Bengal—voiced concerns about the sudden changes. He pointed out that no court order or official government notification required the immediate removal of loudspeakers from all mosques across the state.
“If such orders existed, the Imams and masjid committees should have been informed by the government. Instead, masjid officials were threatened and asked to remove the loudspeakers. Isn’t this a violation of law?”
The Waqf board maintains records showing approximately 62,000 mosques in the state. However, Maulana Qasmi noted that the actual number is likely much higher, as many smaller village masjids remain unregistered with the board.
Decibel Guidelines and Police Instructions
Several Imams reported receiving verbal guidance about decibel limits. They explained that since the Bharatiya Janata Party took power in May, police authorities have been directed to enforce noise restrictions. These limits were set by the Calcutta high court and the Supreme Court during various hearings and are monitored by the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB).
“I could not find out who ordered the removal of loudspeakers. All I came to know is that verbal instructions came from police stations but the officers did not show any written order. This is wrong. The existing rules say the loudspeakers can be played at 65 decibels in urban localities,”
Maulana Qari Fazlur Rahaman, who has led Eid prayers at Kolkata’s Red Road for many years, shared these details with HT.
Historical Background and Government Appeals
The BJP administration moved the venue for prayers to the Brigade Parade grounds earlier this year. Maulana Qasmi remembered approaching the Centre to discuss WBPCB guidelines during Prime Minister IK Gujral’s tenure. A petition was also filed at the Supreme Court for special permission for Fajr ki Azan, though it was not approved. The WBPCB regulations continue to apply today.
“I appeal to chief minister Suvendu Adhikari through the media to intervene in this matter and direct the police to control noise instead of harassing people by removing the loudspeakers. I want to tell the director general of the state police that this action will only create anger against the administration. We are not here to fight with the government. If there is any problem, then let us find a solution through discussion,”
Official Responses and Past Clashes
Neither the Kolkata Police nor the state police have released official statements about this development. However, two cabinet ministers have publicly supported the removal of loudspeakers.
“This is necessary. No loudspeakers should be played from any place of worship, be it a masjid or a mandir. The law applies to all,”
State urban development and municipal affairs minister Agnimitra Paul made this declaration. Industry minister Tapas Roy added, “This is necessary for controlling pollution. All people must follow the rules.”
The state government’s earlier decision to halt namaz on public roads triggered unrest in Kolkata and Asansol in the West Burdwan district during May. On May 15, demonstrators vandalized a police outpost at Jahangir Moholla in Asansol following Friday prayers, leading to 26 arrests. Two days later, clashes erupted at Park Circus in Kolkata when protesters were stopped from demonstrating at the busy seven-point road intersection. More than 20 individuals were detained for assaulting officers and damaging government property.
“Let it be clear to those who carried out such activities at Park Circus and other places that this was your last. We will not allow such actions again. If you do, then there won’t be a more severe home minister than me.”
Suvendu Adhikari, who oversees the home department, issued this warning on May 18.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are mosques removing loudspeakers in Bengal? Mosques are removing loudspeakers following verbal police warnings to comply with decibel limits set by the Calcutta high court and Supreme Court. The West Bengal Pollution Control Board monitors these noise restrictions.
What is the legal basis for the removal? According to Maulana Muhammad Shafique Qasmi, there is no official court order or government notification mandating the removal. The instructions have been primarily verbal, coming from local police stations.
What are the current decibel limits? The existing rules allow loudspeakers to be played at 65 decibels in urban localities. These limits were established through various court hearings and are enforced by the WBPCB.
How many mosques are affected? The Waqf board records show approximately 62,000 mosques in West Bengal, though Maulana Qasmi believes the actual number is considerably larger due to unregistered village masjids.
What happened during previous unrest? During May, clashes occurred in Kolkata and Asansol when the government halted namaz on public roads. Demonstrators vandalized a police outpost in Asansol, and more than 20 people were detained at Park Circus in Kolkata.