UP: Muslim cleric sent to 14-day judicial custody over azaan volume

Bijnor: Uttar Pradesh Police arrested a muezzin in Bijnor after seizing a loudspeaker from a mosque in Najibabad for allegedly exceeding the permitted noise limit. A court later remanded him to 14 days in judicial custody.

Police arrested Mohammad Faizan, who gives the call to prayer at the Najib-ud-Daula Mosque, on Saturday following an inspection ordered by Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar Bishnoi.

Bishnoi reportedly heard the Zuhr azaan at around 12.40 pm while travelling through Najibabad for a public grievance programme. He then instructed local officers to inspect the mosque. Police entered the premises and removed the loudspeaker, alleging that it was being used at excessive volume.

Sub-Inspector Saurabh Singh filed a complaint against Faizan, after which police produced him before the Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s court. The complaint claimed that the noise could disturb elderly people, children and those who were ill.

Police, however, did not provide a decibel reading from the mosque or state whether officials had measured the sound level with a decibel meter before taking action.

Najibabad city Qazi Afan-ul-Haq criticised the arrest and said authorities should have issued a warning instead.

Bishnoi later suspended beat officer Lalit Kumar for alleged negligence and ordered police officials to enforce noise restrictions at religious places.

The action followed a wider Bijnor administration drive targeting loudspeakers allegedly operating beyond permitted limits. Officials have removed loudspeakers from mosques, temples and gurdwaras during the campaign.

Noise pollution rules require permission for loudspeakers and generally prohibit their use between 10 pm and 6 am, subject to exceptions. The Allahabad High Court has held that azaan enjoys religious protection but its broadcast through loudspeakers does not constitute an essential part of the practice.