Loud and clear: Noise not part of religion

Bombay HC has noted that denial of the use of loudspeakers is no denial of religious rights.

The Bombay High Court’s ruling that the use of loudspeakers is not an essential part of any religion is, more than an opinion about religion, an assertion of the right of people to a life without unwelcome decibels. The world is becoming increasingly noisy and also contributing to the problem are places of worship that blare out sounds in various forms such as azaans (calls to prayer) and bhajans.

All this is defended as part of religious prescriptions or essentialities. The court rejected this argument in a petition filed by members of two housing societies in Mumbai. The petitioners told the court that the azaan from nearby mosques violated the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. The court allowed the petition and told law enforcement agencies to take action in the case of such violations. It noted that noise was a major health hazard and denial of the use of loudspeakers could not be considered a denial of religious rights. It is in public interest and the rights under Article 19 or Article 25 are not infringed by that.

Environmentalists and those who are concerned with public health have been highlighting the risks noise poses in India. High noise levels cause inconvenience to students, senior citizens and sick persons. Azaans, bhajans, speeches from public platforms, and announcements all cause noise pollution. The 2020 rules were framed with the objective of “maintaining ambient air quality standards in respect of noise.” Religious grounds are often invoked when they are breached. The court has now made its position clear.

Loudspeakers are a fairly recent invention and have come to be widely used in religious and public places only in the last few decades. They are not part of centuries-old religions. Political parties and organisations that make speeches and announcements through loudspeakers also should shun or minimise their use.

Unfortunately, all activities connected with religion and politics are aimed at impressing or influencing people and are often enhanced with noise, colour, or spectacle. The use of loudspeakers in processions has, sometimes, created law and order problems. There should be better appreciation of the dangers of noise pollution in a rapidly urbanising society. It is a problem even in villages now. Those who manage religious places and others who raise the levels of noise in public places should care for the physical and mental well-being of people. Police have to adopt a zero-tolerance approach when initiating action against violators of the rules.