City
Epaper

Allahabad HC upholds ban on loudspeakers in mosques

By IANS | Updated: January 23, 2020 09:30 IST

The Allahabad High Court has refused to quash an administrative order that banned the use of loudspeakers for 'azaan' at two mosques in Baddopur and Shahganj villages of Jaunpur district in Uttara Pradesh.

Open in App

The court in its order on Wednesday stated that no religion advocates the use of loudspeakers for worship.

"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 rights of the others, including that of not being disturbed," said the division bench of Justice Pankaj Mittal and Justice V.C. Dixit.

The court dismissed the petition filed by one Masroor Ahmad and a fellow resident of Jaunpur.

The court cited a similar 2000 Supreme Court judgment Church of God (Full Gospel) vs KKR Majestic Colony Welfare Association where the apex court said that freedom to practice religion was subject to public order, morality and health.

The division bench also dismissed the petitioners' argument that using loudspeakers to call people to join in the 'namaaz' at specific times was an essential part of their religion.

"The fundamental right to religious freedom under Article 25(1) of the Constitution is not absolute. It is subject to Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech and expression), and thus both of them have to be read together," the court pointed out.

The petitioners had submitted an application in March last year, seeking permission to use loudspeakers.

The circle officer of Shahganj had also said in his report submitted to the court that the areas in which these two mosques were located had a mixed population of Hindus and Muslims and allowing the use of amplifiers could lead to a law and order problem.

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: Masroor Ahmad2000 Supreme Court
Open in App

National Realted Stories

NationalMP: 25 injured in tractor-trolley collision, 7 critical

NationalPM Modi’s leadership getting stronger, Congress fighting for its existence: BJP MP

NationalPM Modi's timeless tribute: From Surat's 2012 spotlight to Bihar's 2025 electoral embrace

NationalPM Modi lays foundation stone for Eklavya Model Residential School in Manipur's Kangpokpi

NationalMaharashtra Minister hails NDA's triumph in Bihar as PM Modi's development masterstroke