Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadavis warns of strict action against places of worship for violating noise limit of loudspeakers

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday warned strict action against places of worship for violating noise limits of loudspeakers.

The police inspectors of respective jurisdictional police stations will be responsible for implementing the guidelines and carry out actions in case of violations, Fadnavis told the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.

“If there are lapses, the police officer would be held responsible,” added Fadnavis, who is also the state’s Home Minister.

“The guidelines for loudspeakers at places of worship, as per the Centre and courts will have to be strictly followed,” the Chief Minister said after BJP MLAs Atul Bhatkhalkar and Devyani Farande raised the issue in the House.

“Loudspeakers at places of worship should be played between 6 am and 10 pm with a noise limit of 55 decibels in day and 45 decibels in night and those not adhering to these norms will face action…. the police inspector concerned will be responsible for implementation of guidelines pertaining to loudspeakers. If the police inspector does not ensure adherence to guidelines, the official will face action,” Fadnavis said.

The CM explained that the police are "toothless" in taking action against violators as it is the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) that has powers to prosecute in case of contravention of rules, as per the Central law in this regard.

However, he said that decibel monitoring units have been provided in all police stations.

“No one will get blanket permission for installing loudspeakers and the authorisation will be for a specific time period. After the expiry, permission needs to be sought again for using loudspeakers…Wherever there is violation, loudspeakers will not be allowed to be used again and they will be confiscated and permissions would be renewed,” he said.

The statement comes when the holy month of Ramzan is underway.