Amid raging debate over loudspeakers, the Karnataka government banned speakers between 10 pm and 6 am. In a circular, the state government said that a loudspeaker or a public address system shall not be used except after obtaining written permission from the designated authorities.
“A loud speaker or a public address system shall not be used at night (between 10.00PM to 6.00 A.M) except in closed premises for communication within e.g., auditoria, conference rooms, community halls and banquet halls,” the circular said.
The circular cited the Supreme Court order which has said that the noise level at the boundary of the public place, where loudspeaker or public address system or any other noise source is being used shall not exceed 10 dB(A) above the ambient noise standards for the area or 75 dB(A) whichever is lower.
“The State Government hereby reiterates that the Government order…under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000 are to be strictly followed and enforced for Regulation of Noise Pollution from loudspeakers/public address system and sound producing instruments,” it said.
All existing users of loudspeakers and public address system and sound producing instruments shall obtain written permission from the designated authority within 15 days. “Those who do not obtain permission, should voluntarily remove loudspeakers/public address system and sound producing instruments or else the same shall be removed by the Designated authority within 15 days from the deadline given,” the circular stated.
The whole controversy over loudspeakers began after MNS chief Raj Thackeray warned the Maharashtra government to remove speakers from mosque or else his party will play Hanuman Chalisa on speakers outside every masjids.
After this, demands grew that the the governments should implement the Supreme Court order which has laid down certain rules for loudspeakers. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently informed that over 1 lakh loudspeakers had been removed from religious places in the state.
