The Supreme Court of India, in its 2005 ruling, prohibited the use of loudspeakers and public address systems between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., except in cases of public emergencies. The court emphasized that the noise level at the boundary of public places where such systems are used should not exceed 10 dB(A) above the ambient noise standards for the area or 75 dB(A), whichever is lower. ([Indian Kanoon](https://indiankanoon.org/doc/929541/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Hindu organizations, such as the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, have been vocal in their demands for the removal of unauthorized loudspeakers from religious places, citing the 2016 Bombay High Court order that directed the removal of illegal loudspeakers from all religious sites in Maharashtra. They have also called for strict action against police officials who have failed to implement this order. ([freepressjournal.in](https://www.freepressjournal.in/legal/demand-for-action-against-non-compliance-to-bombay-hc-order-on-removal-of-illegal-loudspeakers-from-religious-places?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Political figures have also weighed in on the issue. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray reiterated the demand to remove all loudspeakers from mosques in Maharashtra, adding that if given power, he would ensure that no mosque in the state has loudspeakers. ([Hindustan Times](https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ahead-of-maharashtra-assembly-polls-raj-thackeray-reignites-loudspeaker-row-101731172765445.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
In response, Muslim scholars and community leaders have expressed concerns over what they perceive as selective targeting of their religious practices. They argue that the use of loudspeakers is integral to various religious observances and that any restrictions should be applied uniformly across all communities. They also highlight that many mosques have taken steps to comply with noise regulations, including reducing volume levels and limiting the use of loudspeakers during designated hours.
The Maharashtra government has previously attempted to address the issue by issuing guidelines for the use of loudspeakers at religious sites. These guidelines mandate obtaining prior permission from authorities and adhering to prescribed decibel levels. However, enforcement has been inconsistent, leading to ongoing disputes and legal challenges.
The debate over loudspeaker use is not new to Mumbai. In 2017, the Supreme Court stayed a Bombay High Court order that had banned the use of loudspeakers during the Ganpati Visarjan, highlighting the tension between cultural practices and noise pollution concerns. ([Mumbai Mirror](https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/other/sc-stays-bombay-hc-order-banning-loudspeakers/articleshow/60370043.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com))