Prayagraj: The controversy over using loudspeakers at mosques gets high pitched in several states, with Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena clamouring for the ban louder than others.
In a most recent development, the Allahabad High Court dismissed a petition seeking installation of loudspeakers in mosques.
A division bench comprising Justice Vivek Kumar Birla and Justice Vikas down pat said use of loudspeaker is 'not a fundamental right'
"The law says that it is not a constitutional right to use loudspeakers in mosques," IANS quoted the court as saying.
The Bisauli Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) had earlier on December 3, 2021 refused permission for loudspeaker at Noori Masjid in Dhoranpur village for 'azaan'.
One Irfan filed a petition challenginh the order calling it "illegal", which according to the petitioner violated the fundamental rights and legal rights.
Alongside, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath wanted loudspeakers at religious places be heard only inside the premises.
Yogi allowed loudspeakers at religious places with permission, provided that volume be kept low enough for the premises.
He further said that no new permits for loudspeakers would be issued.
Following Yogi's statement, the volume of loudspeakers in the state's 17,000 religious sites was lowered to the standards set for all the religious places, including temples and mosques in the state.