SC on Loudspeakers
Bombay HC Ruling on Loudspeakers & Religious Practices said that no one can claim a fundamental right to use loudspeakers for religious practice. Loudspeakers are not an essential religious practice and are not protected under Article 25 (freedom of religion) or Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech & expression).
Noise Pollution Regulations
- The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000
- Daytime limit: 55 decibels (residential areas)
- Nighttime limit: 45 decibels (residential areas)
- Maharashtra Police Act, Section 38: Police have the power to stop, modify, or cancel permissions for loudspeakers.
High Court Directives on Noise Pollution
- Police must act without revealing complainants' identities to prevent targeting.
- Government should implement "calibration or auto-fixation" of loudspeaker decibel levels.
- Police must use mobile applications to measure sound levels.
Graded Penalty System for Violations
For first time offense - Caution, Fine imposed on trusts/organizations for the second offense, loudspeakers will be seized for 3rd time and license will be cancelled for continued violation.
2016 Bombay HC Ruling (Dr. Mahesh Vijay Bedekar v Maharashtra)
- Loudspeakers cannot be used between 10 PM and 6 AM .
- No exemption for places of worship; they must follow noise regulations .
- Silence zones (100m around schools, hospitals, religious places, courts): Strictly no loudspeakers.
- Government can allow exceptions for 15 days/year for religious/cultural events
Action Against Unauthorized Loudspeakers
- HC has asked the government to take action against 2,940 loudspeakers operating without permission (next hearing on March 18, 2025).
