Use Of Loudspeakers In Mosques Not A Fundamental Right: Allahabad High Court

New Delhi: The Allahabad High Court ruled on May 6 that the playing of Azaan on loudspeakers is not a fundamental right.

The high court made the remark while dismissing a petition filed by a person named Irfan, who hails from Budaun. As per reports, the person had sought permission to deliver the Azaan using loudspeakers in the Noori Masjid.

"The law has now been settled that use of loudspeaker from the mosque is not a fundamental right. Ever otherwise a cogent reason has been assigned in the impugned order. Accordingly, we find that the present petition is patently misconceived, hence the same is dismissed," the court ruled.

The Allahabad High Court said that delivering the Azaan through loudspeakers is not a part of the religion but the court did admit that Azaan is an essential part of Islam. The bench was headed by Justice B K Vidla and Justice Vikas.

"Azaan is an integral part of Islam, but giving it through loudspeakers is not a part of Islam," the bench observed.

Earlier, a two-judge bench of the Allahabad High Court had noted that there had been instances in the past where courts had highlighted that the call for prayer on a loudspeaker is not a fundamental right.

Notably, Azaan happens to be the Islamic call to prayers and it is played five times a day, at prescribed times.

Meanwhile, amid the row over Azaan in Maharashtra, Nashik Police Commissioner Deepak Pandey had barred the playing of Hanuman Chalisa or Bhajan within 100 metres of a mosque and he said that it will not be allowed to play 15 minutes before and after the Azaan.

Pandey also warned of strict actions against those found violating the order after the deadline and directed all religious places to seek permission for using loudspeakers by May 3.

The order was issued after repeated warnings from Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray to remove loudspeakers from mosques across the state.

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