Prayagraj IG bans loudspeakers from 10 pm-6 am after Allahabad University VC complains against 'loud' azaan
text_fieldsPrayagraj: In response to a complaint filed by Allahabad University Vice-Chancellor Sangita Srivastava, Inspector General of Police, Prayagraj, has asked the district magistrate to ensure a ban on the use of loudspeakers between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
The VC had sough restrictions on the use of loudspeakers, early morning in mosques stating that she is 'forced to wake up too early every day' due to 'azaan' being recited on a loudspeaker. This, she stated, leads to headache through the day and impacts her work.
The ban will cover use of all loudspeakers and public address systems at public places.
In a letter to the district magistrates and Senior Superintendents of Police in the four districts that fall under the Prayagraj Range, IG K.P. Singh said the officials must implement orders of the Supreme Court and the Allahabad High Court.
The letter directs the district magistrates and police chiefs to implement a ban on use of loudspeakers between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. in accordance with environment laws and past court orders.
Sangita Srivastava had sent her complaint to District Magistrate Bhanu Chandra Goswami on March 3.
The petitioner had challenged an administrative order in the Jaunpur district of Uttar Pradesh where the use of loudspeaker for azaan had been banned.
The high court had said, "No religion prescribes that prayers are required to be performed through voice amplifiers or by beating of drums. If there is such a practice, it should not adversely affect the rights of others, including that of not being disturbed."