Muslim Legal Collective Advocates for Streamlined Loudspeaker Guidelines During Ramzan in Mumbai
A prominent group comprising Muslim lawyers, law students, and community activists has formally approached the government with a significant request. They are urging the establishment of a city-specific Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that would simplify the use of loudspeakers exclusively for the holy month of Ramzan.
Addressing Permission Hurdles Ahead of Ramzan
With Ramzan scheduled to commence on the evening of February 17, there is growing concern within the community. Many fear that the existing, often lengthy bureaucratic process required to obtain permission for loudspeaker use is discouraging numerous mosques from even attempting to secure the necessary approvals from local police authorities.
"Just as the authorities issue SOP and special guidelines to keep eateries open late at night during Ramzan, we have requested them to issue a similar SOP for loudspeaker use," explained Faiyaz Alam Shaikh, the spokesperson for the collective. "This would allow mosques to use loudspeakers by simply notifying the local police, rather than navigating a complex permission process."
Formal Request to Key Authorities
The collective has submitted a detailed letter to several high-ranking officials, including:
- The State Chief Secretary
- The Police Commissioner of Mumbai
- The Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)
- The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board
The letter explicitly requests that the proposed guidelines mandate the use of only small, box-type speakers with pre-locked decibel limits. This allowance would be strictly confined to the month of Ramzan, ensuring it is a temporary and regulated measure.
Navigating Existing Noise Pollution Regulations
This request comes against the backdrop of established environmental regulations. The Noise Pollution Rules of 2000, enforced by the Pollution Control Board, currently prohibit the use of loudspeakers between the hours of 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
Furthermore, the rules set clear permissible noise limits:
- 65 decibels for commercial areas
- 55 decibels for residential areas
The collective's proposal aims to work within this framework, seeking a specific, time-bound exception that facilitates religious observance while acknowledging the importance of noise control for the wider community.
