The Karnataka State Board of Auqaf has issued a circular dated March 9 to all the masjids and dargahs in the state, banning the use of loudspeakers between 10 pm and 6 am during Adhaan.
The circular read “it is observed that increasing ambient noise level around many masjids and dargahs due to generator sets, loudspeakers and public address systems have deleterious effects on human health and the psychological well-being of the people. With the objective of maintaining the ambient standards of noise, “ Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 are in effect”.
The area comprising not less than 100 meters around hospitals, educational institutions and courts have been declared as silence zone.
The board said in its circular that “if anyone used sound amplifier, sound-emitting firecrackers, uses a loudspeaker or public address system in the silence zone is liable for penalty under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act 1986”.
The Board issued the following instructions to all the managements of masjids and dargahs—
1. Loudspeakers shall not be used from 10 pm to 6 am during Adhaan.
2. Loudspeakers used during the day shall be as per the ambient air quality standards.
3. Loudspeaker shall be used only for Adhaan and important announcements such as death, timing of burial, sighting of moon etc.
4. Congregational Salat, Juma Qutba, Bayans, religious, socio-cultural and knowledge-based-functions shall be performed with the speakers installed in the religious premises.
5. Noise governing apparatus may be installed in the institution in consultation with the local environment officers.
6. The management of the institutions shall train the muezzin to operate the amplifier within the prescribed limit.
7. No sound-emitting firecrackers shall be burnt in or around the masjid and dargahs at any occasion.
8. The incidence or carrying on in or upon, any premises of any trade, avocation or operation or process resulting in or attended with noise.
9. Open spaces of the masjid and dargahs shall be used for the plantation of fruit-bearing shady trees and ornamental plants. Drinking water tanks may be constructed for animals and birds if possible.
10. Clean and hygienic atmosphere shall be maintained.
11. Discourage beggary in the religious premises, instead, counseling and philanthropic measures may be taken at the institution level.
The circular created waves among the Muslim community in the state and called it a pressure from the BJP government against minorities.