Uttar Pradesh authorities have ruled out any relaxation of Supreme Court-mandated sound restrictions for loudspeakers during Ramadan, asserting that existing noise pollution norms will be applied uniformly across the state.The position was articulated after Samajwadi Party MLA Kamal Akhtar raised the matter during Zero Hour in the legislative assembly, seeking limited permission for mosques to make brief announcements at Sehri and Iftar. Ramadan began on Thursday, marking the start of the month-long fast observed by Muslims worldwide.
Government representatives responded that directions issued by the Supreme Court on the use of loudspeakers and public address systems are binding and leave no room for exemptions based on occasion or religious observance. Officials emphasised that the administration is obligated to enforce prescribed decibel limits and time restrictions as part of broader efforts to curb noise pollution.
The legal framework governing the issue stems from a series of Supreme Court rulings over the past two decades, most notably the 2005 judgment that upheld restrictions under the Environment Act and the Noise Pollution Rules, 2000. The court has consistently held that the right to practise religion does not extend to violating statutory noise norms or infringing on the rights of others to health and peaceful living. It has also barred the use of loudspeakers between 10 pm and 6 am, except in narrowly defined circumstances approved by authorities.
In recent years, state administrations across the country have faced competing pressures during major religious festivals, including Ramadan, Navratri, Ganesh Chaturthi and others, where amplified sound forms part of customary practice. Courts have reiterated that any relaxation must remain within the framework of law and cannot be granted in a blanket manner.
During his intervention in the assembly, Kamal Akhtar argued that brief announcements for Sehri, the pre-dawn meal before the fast begins, and Iftar, when the fast is broken at sunset, are part of established community practice. He contended that controlled, short-duration use would not materially disturb public order and requested administrative accommodation during the holy month.
The government’s response indicated that while law enforcement agencies would act with sensitivity, the baseline standards would remain intact. Officials underlined that enforcement is not targeted at any specific community and applies equally to temples, mosques, churches and other institutions using public address systems.
Noise regulation has been a politically sensitive subject in Uttar Pradesh over the past few years. Authorities have undertaken drives to verify permissions for loudspeakers installed at religious places and have removed equipment deemed unauthorised. Administrative data previously released by the state indicated that thousands of loudspeakers were either taken down or had their volume reduced to comply with prescribed decibel levels.
Legal experts note that the Supreme Court’s jurisprudence balances fundamental rights under Article 25 of the Constitution with the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21, which includes the right to sleep and a pollution-free environment. The court has observed that no religion mandates the use of loudspeakers and that technological amplification cannot be claimed as an essential religious practice.
Public health researchers have long warned about the adverse impact of prolonged exposure to high decibel sound, linking it to stress, sleep disturbance, cardiovascular strain and impaired cognitive performance in children. Urban areas with high population density often face compounded challenges, especially during festival seasons when multiple sources of amplified sound operate simultaneously.
At the same time, community leaders have argued for practical solutions that respect both faith and law. In several districts, local administrations have encouraged voluntary compliance by urging institutions to use lower-volume systems, inward-facing speakers or alternative communication methods such as messaging applications to inform congregants about prayer timings.
The current debate also reflects broader political dynamics in the state assembly, where opposition parties frequently raise issues concerning minority rights and administrative conduct. By bringing the matter during Zero Hour, Kamal Akhtar sought to frame it as an issue of accommodation rather than confrontation. The government’s categorical stance signals an attempt to avoid setting precedents that could trigger similar demands during other festivals.
Officials have indicated that district magistrates and police commissioners will continue to monitor compliance during Ramadan, particularly during early morning and late evening hours. Permissions, where required, must align with the Noise Pollution Rules and any additional directives issued by competent authorities.