Not naming any community, the police claimed that the meetings and talks helped them remove the city to remove loudspeakers from community and political leaders, and religious bodies to remove loudspeakers from more than 1,500 structures, to remove loudspeakers to make the city “loudspeaker-free”.

He claimed that the action was not aimed at the purpose of a particular community and in March in line with the instructions of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, stating that the guidelines of the Center and the court should be strictly followed.

However, the police clarified that after taking permission from local police stations in religious structures, “temporarily” loudspeakers may be installed during festivals.

Bharti’s comprehensive statement follows an order from the Bombay High Court in January, directed to take early action against loudspeakers and public address systems, which violates noise pollution rules. A bench of justice in the form of Gadkari and AC Chandak stated that loudspeakers are not integral parts of any religion, which highlights health risks arising from noise pollution. It was observed that denying permission for loudspeakers does not violate anyone’s rights.

The bench was listening to a petition filed by two housing societies in Kurla, which had expressed concern over the noise pollution caused by loudspeakers in local mosques. He argued that the use of loudspeakers for religious activities, including Islamic Call to Prayer (Azan), disrupts peace and violates noise pollution (regulation and control) rules, 2000, and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

However, the Muslim community has complained that the police are not following the appropriate process while taking loudspeakers down in mosques. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar met Muslim leaders and senior police officers, directed to avoid “illegal” work. Pawar also urged BJP leader Kirit Somaiya to abolish his “loudspeaker-free Mumbai campaign”.