Overview
- In an order dated December 1, the court dismissed Masjid Gousiya’s request to restore loudspeakers at its Gondia mosque after it produced no material showing the practice is mandatory.
- The bench relied on Supreme Court observations that prayers must not disturb others through voice amplifiers or drums and that citizens have a right to decline unwanted sound.
- Judges detailed the Noise Pollution Rules framed under the Environment Protection Act and highlighted health harms from excessive noise, including cardiovascular risks and hearing damage.
- Treating noise as a recurring problem, the court took suo motu cognisance and asked the Maharashtra government to present an effective compliance plan.
- Coverage noted the Supreme Court’s 2005 regime restricting late-night loudspeakers with limited festival exceptions under the 2000 rules.