Maharashtra Home Minister urges Centre to bring policy on use of loudspeakers
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Mumbai: Maharashtra Home Minister Dilip Walse-Patil on Friday said that the Union government should come out with a policy on the use of loudspeakers.
He also thanked people from both Hindu and Muslim communities for cooperating with the state government in the maintenance of peace amid a row over the use of loudspeakers by mosques.
"The Centre should bring a policy (on loudspeakers) for the entire country. But I will thank the Muslim and Hindu communities. This issue could be handled peacefully and law and order could be maintained in the state because of their cooperation," Walse-Patil said, PTI reported.
The minister was speaking to reporters after a review meeting over the law and order situation in the state.
His remark comes amid a controversy over Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray's warning to play Hanuman Chalisa if mosques are found broadcasting 'azaan' on loudspeakers.
Walse was also asked about a court's observation while granting bail to Independent MP Navneet Rana and her MLA husband Ravi Rana that mere expression of derogatory or objectionable words may not be a sufficient ground for invoking the charge of sedition.
The courts have the right to make comments, Mr. Walse-Patil said, adding that "but the police study everything while registering any offense." He had not yet got a copy of the court's judgment and would make comments on the issue after studying the decision, he added.
The Mumbai police had arrested the Ranas on April 23 on the charge of sedition among other offenses following their announcement to recite the Hanuman Chalisa outside 'Matoshree', Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's private residence here.