The Indian state Karnataka’s high court has refrained from directing the authorities to stop mosques from using loudspeakers or public-address systems for the Azaan (call to prayer), five times a day. The court said tolerance is the characteristic of the Constitution of India as well as Indian civilisation. The authorities through a Hindutva ideologue had filed an application claiming that the contents of Azaan “hurt sentiments of believers of other faiths”. A division bench headed by acting chief justice Alok Aradhe said, “Undoubtedly, the petitioner, as well as believers of other faiths have the right to practice their religion… However, the contention that the contents of Azaan violate the fundamental right (to religion) guaranteed to the petitioner as well persons of other faiths cannot be accepted.” The bench directed the authorities to submit a report regarding noise pollution. “Licence for use of loudspeakers, public-address systems and sound-producing instruments can be issued under rule 5(3) of Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, read with Section 37 of the Karnataka Police Act, 1963. The respondents are, therefore, directed to ensure that loudspeakers and public- address system and sound-producing instruments and other musical instruments shall not be permitted to be used beyond the permissible decibel from 10pm to 6am,” it said.

Credit:
Independent News Pakistan-INP