Mumbai's religious sites are now "loudspeaker-free" following a city-wide initiative to enforce noise pollution regulations. Police Commissioner Deven Bharti has confirmed that all directional loudspeakers have been removed from religious places across the city.

This action follows a Bombay High Court order stating that loudspeakers are not essential for any religion and emphasizing the need to control noise levels for public health. The court's ruling directed the Maharashtra police to enforce existing noise pollution regulations and instructed the state government to mandate that religious institutions implement mechanisms to control sound levels.

In the wake of the Bombay High Court order, the Mumbai police issued a notice on May 11 mandating all religious sites to relinquish loudspeakers. Stakeholders interested in installing loudspeakers would then have to acquire a license, granted after providing documents such as property cards, legal construction proofs, and waqf registration papers.

Approximately 1,500 loudspeakers have been taken down across Mumbai. The police collaborated with religious and political leaders to ensure the process was fair and peaceful. While permanent loudspeakers are now prohibited, temporary permissions may be granted for special events, but reinstalling them permanently is not allowed.

The removal of loudspeakers from mosques in Mumbai has sparked concern within the Muslim community, with some residents and mosque trustees alleging selective enforcement of noise pollution rules. Videos have emerged showing police officers allegedly misbehaving and threatening Muslims during the removal process. Some residents claimed that loudspeakers were removed without warning or noise tests, even when they complied with the 45-56 decibel limit set by the Bombay High Court.

In response to concerns, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar met with Muslim political leaders on June 25 and urged the police to follow due process. He also cautioned BJP state vice president Kirit Somaiya to stop his campaign against the use of loudspeakers in mosques.

The Maharashtra Police informed the Bombay High Court that of the 2,812 illegal loudspeakers installed at religious and other institutions in the state, 343 have been removed, and 831 were granted permission. The police have been instructed to conduct a fresh survey of illegal loudspeakers and take action against those causing noise pollution.

The Bombay High Court had previously stated that no religion has a fundamental right to use loudspeakers and that all religious places must obtain permission to use such equipment. The court issued 32 directives to enforce the Noise Pollution Rules, 2000.

Some Muslim leaders have expressed concerns about the manner in which loudspeakers were being removed and have sought written directives before removing any equipment. The Govandi Citizens Welfare Forum sent emails to the Mumbai Police and the Chief Minister's Office, condemning the removal of mosque loudspeakers without notice or due process.

Despite the concerns, many support managing sound responsibly and abiding by the law. Jama Masjid trustee Shoaib Khatib stated that his mosque voluntarily avoids using microphones during Fajr prayers and keeps the volume within permitted levels for other prayers. He urged other trustees to take a proactive approach, emphasizing that the issue is noise pollution, not religion.

The move to make Mumbai "loudspeaker-free" aims to promote peace and quiet throughout the city. The situation highlights the complexities of balancing religious practices with civic regulations and the importance of addressing noise pollution concerns while ensuring fair and respectful treatment of all communities.