Karnataka: WAQF Board Bans Use Of Loudspeakers Between 10 PM To 6 AM During Azaan

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Karnataka: WAQF Board Bans Use Of Loudspeakers Between 10 PM To 6 AM During Azaan

The Karnataka State Board of Auqaf has banned the use of loudspeakers between 10 pm and 6 am during azaan for all mosques and dargahs to prevent noise pollution.

The Karnataka State Board of Auqaf has banned the use of loudspeakers between 10 pm and 6 am during azaan for all mosques and dargahs. The Board said that the decision was taken to prevent noise pollution.

"It is observed that increasing ambient noise level around many masjids and dargahs due to generator sets, loudspeakers and public address systems have deleterious effects on human health and the psychological well-being of the people. With the objective of maintaining the ambient standards of noise, The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 are in force. Loudspeakers shall not be used in the night time which shall mean from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am," the circular states.

The circular said any violation would be liable for a penalty, reported India Today.

"The area comprising not less than 100 meters around hospitals, educational institutions and courts have been declared as 'silence zones'. Whoever uses any sound amplifier, or burst sound-emitting firecrackers, uses a loudspeaker or public address system in the silence zone is liable for penalty under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986," it said.

The Board issued a set of instructions to all the managements of masjids and dargahs:

1. Loudspeakers shall not be used from 10 pm onwards up to 6 am.

2. Loudspeakers used during day shall be as per ambient air quality standards.

3. Loudspeakers shall be used only for azaan and important announcements such as death, timing of burial, sighting of the moon etc.

4. Congregational Salat, Juma Qutba, Bayans, religious, socio-cultural and knowledge-based-functions shall be held with speakers installed in religious premises.

5. Noise-governing apparatus may be installed in institution in consultation with local environment officers.

6. The management of institutions shall train muezzin (person who gives call to prayer) to operate amplifier within prescribed limit.

7. No sound-emitting firecrackers shall be burnt in or around masjid and dargahs at any occasion.

9. Open spaces of masjid and dargahs shall be used for plantation of fruit-bearing shady trees and ornamental plants.

10. Discourage beggary in religious premises, instead, counselling and philanthropic measures may be taken at institution level.

Meanwhile, the Former chairman of the state Waqf Board Anwar Manippady said, "It is a great step towards amiability in the society between the two communities -- minorities and majorities."

Also Read: [Video] Elderly Woman In Delhi Dies After Son Slaps Her, Act Caught On Camera

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