The Uttar Pradesh government refused any exemption on loudspeaker use during Ramzan. Officials cited binding orders issued by the Supreme Court of India. On Thursday, the government informed the Assembly about this decision. It stated that existing restrictions cannot be withdrawn. Consequently, no relaxation will apply for sehri or iftar announcements. Ramzan commenced on Thursday across the state.
Debate During Budget Session
The issue sparked a heated exchange during the Budget Session. Samajwadi Party MLA Kamal Akhtar raised the matter during Zero Hour. He urged the government to allow brief mosque announcements. He said such permission would provide relief to those observing roza. Furthermore, Akhtar explained that mosques traditionally announce exact sehri and iftar timings. He noted that festivals of all religions take place in the state. He mentioned Holi, Diwali, Dussehra and the Kanwar Yatra. He also referred to Christian and Sikh celebrations. Additionally, he argued that Ramzan deserves similar consideration. He claimed that authorities recently removed loudspeakers from most religious places. Therefore, he appealed for a limited exemption during the holy month.
Government Cites Supreme Court Orders
Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna responded firmly. He rejected the proposal for any exemption. He stated that the Supreme Court has directed no loudspeaker use after 10 pm. “The ban on loudspeakers has not been imposed by the government but by the Supreme Court,” he said. He added that the directions apply across the entire state. Under Supreme Court noise pollution orders, authorities prohibit loudspeakers between 10 pm and 6 am. However, closed premises like auditoriums may use them for internal communication. Khanna explained that police act even during weddings if complaints arise. He said officers ensure compliance with the prescribed time limits.
Tradition and Changing Times
The minister also referred to the historical context of mosque announcements. He said the practice began when clocks were not widely available. Earlier, people depended on the sun’s position to estimate time. “Today, almost every person, whether a rickshaw puller, street vendor or vegetable seller, has a mobile phone that shows time. So the necessity is no longer there,” he said. While stressing that the government respects religious beliefs, Khanna maintained that rules come from Supreme Court directives. He clarified that the state did not impose these restrictions independently.
MLA Renews Appeal
Despite the response, Kamal Akhtar reiterated his position. He argued that the court order addresses sound levels. He claimed it does not impose a total ban on loudspeakers. He renewed his request for limited permission during Ramzan. However, the minister offered no further reply.
