Loudspeakers banned in Prayagraj from 10 pm to 6 am by IG

Responding to a complaint filed by Allahabad University Vice-Chancellor Sangita Srivastava seeking restrictions on use of loudspeakers early morning in mosques, Inspector General of Police, Prayagraj has asked the district magistrates in his range to ensure a ban on use of loudspeakers between 10 pm and 6 am.

IG KP Singh wrote a letter to district magistrates (DMs) and senior superintendents of police (SSPs) in the four districts that fall under the Prayagraj range, which cited that the ban will cover use of all loudspeakers and public address systems at public places.

In her complaint, Prof. Sangita Srivastava has stated that she is 'forced to wake up too early every day' due to 'azaan' being recited on a loudspeaker. This, she stated, leads to headache through the day and impacts her work.

Sangita Srivastava had sent her complaint to District Magistrate Bhanu Chandra Goswami on March 3.

In January 2020, the Allahabad High Court had ruled that no religion advocates use of loudspeakers for worship.

The petitioner had challenged an administrative order in the Jaunpur district of Uttar Pradesh where the use of loudspeaker for azaan had been banned.

The high court had said, "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 the rights of others, including that of not being disturbed."

Taking note of Srivastava’s complaint, the mosque authorities changed the direction of the loudspeakers and turned down the volume of the public address system.