UP Government Cites Supreme Court Order on Night Loudspeakers to Clarify Mosque Announcements During Ramzan
Minister says SC ban on loudspeakers from 10 pm to 6 am remains applicable; opposition seeks relaxation for ‘sehri’ and ‘iftar’ announcements.
Lucknow (PTI): The Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday clarified its position on the use of loudspeakers in mosques for ‘sehri’ and ‘iftar’ announcements during Ramzan, stating that existing Supreme Court of India directives on noise restrictions continue to apply.
The issue was raised in the Assembly during Zero Hour by Samajwadi Party MLA Kamal Akhtar. He said that since festivals of all religions—including Holi, Diwali, Dussehra, Kanwar Yatra, and Christian and Sikh celebrations—are observed in the state, mosques should also be allowed to use loudspeakers for brief announcements during the holy month of Ramzan.
Akhtar noted that short announcements are traditionally made from mosques to inform those observing fast about the timings of ‘sehri’ (pre-dawn meal) and ‘iftar’ (meal to break the fast). He also claimed that loudspeakers had recently been removed from several religious places and urged the government to permit their use during Ramzan for the convenience of devotees.
Under Supreme Court guidelines, the use of loudspeakers and public address systems is prohibited between 10 pm and 6 am, except within closed premises such as auditoriums and conference halls for internal communication.
Responding to the issue, Uttar Pradesh Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna said the Supreme Court has clearly directed that loudspeakers must not be used after 10 pm. He added that even at weddings, police intervene if complaints are received about violations of the stipulated time limits.
Referring to the tradition of mosque announcements, Khanna said the practice dates back to a time when clocks were not widely available and people depended on natural indicators like the position of the sun. “Today, almost everyone—whether a rickshaw puller, street vendor or vegetable seller—has a mobile phone that shows the time. So the necessity is no longer there,” he said.
He emphasised that while the government does not interfere in religious beliefs, it is bound to follow the Supreme Court’s directions on noise regulations. “It is not our order,” he said, referring to the court’s ruling.
Akhtar, however, argued that the apex court’s order pertains to sound levels and does not completely prohibit the use of loudspeakers. He appealed to the government to consider allowing announcements during Ramzan, but the minister did not provide any further response.
