All loudspeakers have been asked to obtain written permission from the Designated Authority.
Bangalore:
In the wake of the Azaan vs Hanuman Chalisa controversy in Karnataka, the state government has issued guidelines for the use of loudspeakers and their removal if not authorized by the ‘designated authority’.
The note issued by state chief secretary P Ravi Kumar to additional chief secretary Javed Akhtar said that the forest, ecology and environment department has also defined a ‘designated authority’.
Some Hindu groups, mainly the Shri Ram Sena, the Bajrang Dal and the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, have organized bhajan-kirtan since morning to counter the azaan from mosques.
As the controversy escalated, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai held a meeting on Monday, after which the Chief Secretary issued a note to Akhtar.
The Chief Secretary referred to the Supreme Court judgments dated 18 July 2005 and 28 October 2005 regarding the implementation of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 to not use loudspeakers or public address systems except after obtaining permission. should go. from the designated authority.
The note said that Rule 5(2) of the NPRC rules prohibits the use of loudspeakers or public address systems or any noise generating equipment at night except in closed premises.
In his note, Mr. Kumar said, “All users of loudspeakers or public address systems shall obtain written permission from the designated authority within 15 days. Those who do not obtain, must be removed voluntarily or removed by the designated authority. “
He also directed that a committee be set up at various levels to decide on the application of loudspeaker or public address system.
In police commissionerate areas, the committee will consist of assistant commissioners of police, executive engineers of municipal jurisdiction and representatives of state pollution control boards.
In other areas, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Tehsildar Officer and a representative of the State Pollution Control Board.
“This applies to all premises which are using loudspeakers and public address system. Necessary government orders or directions will be issued to all concerned to implement the same with immediate effect,” the note read.
Reacting to the order, Karnataka Environment, Ecology and Tourism Minister Anand Singh said that religious institutions will have to follow the rule.
“If they break the law relating to sanctions after the stipulated time, action will be taken,” Singh told reporters.
“This applies to temples, mosques, churches or any marriage ceremony. There are restrictions, which have to be followed. If any local resident complains, action will be taken against him,” the minister said.
Meanwhile, Shri Ram Sena chief Pramod Muthalik welcomed the government’s order.
“I express my gratitude to the Government of Karnataka for issuing the notification. We have decided to withdraw our statewide agitation against the misuse of loudspeakers,” Mr Muthalik said in a video statement to the press.
(Except for the title, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)