Indian court issues notice to police over mosque loudspeaker removals
Bombay High Court demands police response after five Mumbai mosques allege selective targeting and procedural violations
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — A top court in India has intervened in a growing controversy over the removal of mosque loudspeakers, issuing formal notices to the Mumbai Police and Maharashtra’s Pollution Control Board. The Bombay High Court’s action follows a petition filed by five mosques in Mumbai, which allege discriminatory enforcement and violations of due process.
The mosques—located in the eastern suburb of Vikhroli—have accused the police of arbitrarily dismantling loudspeaker systems and refusing to renew their licenses, despite compliance with court-mandated noise regulations. The petitioners say the actions specifically target Muslim places of worship under the pretext of noise control.
The bench, comprising Justices Ravindra V Ghuge and M.M. Sathaye has asked the authorities to submit an affidavit and relevant documents before the next hearing on July 9.
This legal challenge comes amid heightened concerns among India’s Muslim community over what many view as a campaign to marginalize Islamic practices. The removals follow an initiative reportedly spearheaded by a local leader from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), prompting fears of politically motivated harassment.
Muslim leaders who met with Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar last week said mosque committees were being unfairly targeted, even when adhering to prescribed noise levels. Pawar is said to have assured them that no unlawful actions would be taken.
However, soon after, Mumbai’s Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar claimed that the city was now “loudspeaker-free from all religious structures,” insisting the crackdown was uniformly applied and denying allegations of religious bias.
Current Indian law permits daytime sound levels up to 55 decibels and night-time limits of 45 decibels, with a total ban between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Petitioners argue that even within these limits, only mosques are being singled out.
The High Court’s notice signals a critical judicial review of how India enforces noise laws—and whether those regulations are being used to suppress religious expression. The July 9 hearing is expected to test the boundaries between public regulation and constitutional protections for minority communities.
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