Azaan: Nashik police ban use of loudspeakers at religious places without permit

Mumbai: In a significant development in the Azaan-vs-Hanuman Chalisa controversy, the Nashik Police has now banned the use of loudspeakers to play Hanuman Chalisa or bhajans 15 minutes before and after Azaan is offered. The police have also banned the use of loudspeakers without permission at religious places. Now, all religious places must obtain permits by May 3 to use loudspeakers.

“All religious places have been directed to take permission for the use of loudspeakers by May 3. After May 3, if anyone is found violating the order, legal action will be taken,” said Nashik Police Commissioner Deepak Pandey.

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Incidentally, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray asked “Hindu brothers to be prepared” if loudspeakers are not removed from mosques by May 3.

“I wish all the Hindu patriots of this country to stay till May 3 and after May 3, whatever mosques across the country will not take out loudspeakers, play Hanuman Chalisa in front of that mosque. If given, we will play Hanuman Chalisa 5 times,” Raj Thackeray had said while addressing the journalists at the MNS city office in Pune on Sunday.

“Permission has to be taken for playing Hanuman Chalisa or bhajans. It will not be allowed 15 minutes before and after the Azaan. Also, it will not be allowed within 100 metres of a mosque. The aim of this order is to maintain law and order,” Pandey said.

Maharashtra Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil said: “The Director-General of Police and Mumbai Police Commissioner have been directed to formulate a policy on the use of loudspeakers.” Earlier, he had said: “Clear instructions have been given that loudspeakers are allowed within the permitted decibel limit and if anyone violates that, legal action will be taken.”