Mumbai police remove loudspeakers from mosques without warning, controversy erupts

Mumbai police have removed loudspeakers from eight mosques in an overnight operation, triggering widespread criticism from local residents and Muslim leaders who claim the move was executed without prior notice or adherence to due process.

According to residents, the loudspeakers were compliant with the Bombay High Court’s noise regulation guidelines, which cap volume at 45–56 decibels.

Despite this, the removal was carried out without any noise level assessments or official warning. “This is unfair,” several locals said, expressing anger over the abrupt action.

Videos from the scene circulated online, showing officers allegedly threatening and intimidating mosque-goers who questioned the removal. Community members accused the police of misbehaving and acting in a hostile manner during the operation.

The incident follows a January 23 ruling by the Bombay High Court, which stated that loudspeakers are not essential to any religion. The court directed the Maharashtra government to ensure all religious institutions comply with noise pollution rules.

In response, Mumbai Police issued a circular on May 11 mandating all religious establishments to remove existing loudspeakers and reapply for installation with proper documentation, including property records and proof of legal status.

The recent crackdown came under scrutiny after Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar held a meeting with Muslim leaders on June 25. In the meeting, Pawar emphasised the need for the police to follow due process and urged BJP state vice president Kirit Somaiya to cease his "smear campaign" targeting mosque loudspeakers.

The multi-party Muslim delegation included prominent leaders such as NCP state president Nawab Malik, Zeeshan Siddique, AIMIM's Waris Pathan, and SP’s Abu Asim Azmi. Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti and Maharashtra DGP Rashmi Shukla were also present.

Waris Pathan revealed that the Mumbai police commissioner had claimed the force removed 1,500 loudspeakers across the city. "We want law and order to be maintained in Maharashtra. Azaan has been heard in the subcontinent for so many years. Syncretism and secularism are the core of India. Why do you only have problems with loudspeakers giving azaan?" he asked.

Echoing the sentiment, Abu Azmi accused BJP leaders of inciting tensions. “One person like Kirit Somaiya has created pressure in Mumbai... Is this not targeted harassment?” he said.

Azmi further questioned why religious gatherings like Ganesh Chaturthi, which often involve road closures and loud celebrations, don’t receive similar backlash. “Why is azaan considered a public nuisance when the state itself provides for other festivals?” he asked.

During the meeting, the delegation proposed an online one-window licensing system to simplify the loudspeaker permit process. NCP’s Zeeshan Siddique told reporters, “Usually, the permission is valid for three months, and it is difficult. We’ve requested a more efficient online system.”

Anushakti Nagar MLA Sana Malik added that while they had requested some leniency in the volume threshold, the police commissioner advised them to approach the Bombay High Court. She also mentioned that the government is considering replacing old loudspeakers with standardised 10×16 inch units.

Malik also alleged that while loudspeakers were being removed from gurudwaras and temples, the Muslim community appeared to be disproportionately targeted.