As a part of the Bombay High Court ruling, Mumbai police have removed over 1,500 loudspeakers from religious sites across the city, in a step that has sparked legal and public debate.
The court admitted in January 2024 that using loudspeakers is not a vital religious practice, warning officials to impose noise regulations more strictly.
The Mumbai loudspeaker ban arises from requests filed by two housing associations, who claimed that the usage of loudspeakers, especially during early morning azan (call to prayer), was creating noteworthy disturbance to residents.
The court sided with the requesters, affirming that while religious freedom is protected, it must be together in public peace and health.
According to the Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, the action was confirmed, highlighting, “Loudspeakers have been banned, with temporary exclusions permitted only during religious festivals. We will confirm these devices are not used again without proper authorisation.”
