Overview
- In a December 1 order, Justices Anil L. Pansare and Raj D. Wakode dismissed Masjid A. Gousiya’s plea from Gondia to install or restore a loudspeaker.
- The court held that loudspeakers are not an essential religious practice after the petitioner admitted there was no material showing such a requirement.
- Relying on Supreme Court rulings and the Noise Rules, 2000, the bench emphasized the corollary right not to listen under Article 19 and the right to a peaceful life under Article 21.
- Treating recurring violations as a systemic issue, the bench converted the matter into a suo motu Public Interest Litigation and directed Maharashtra to propose effective enforcement measures.
- The order cited public‑health risks and flagged persistent breaches at clubs, marriage halls and religious places, including late‑night high‑decibel events and use of loudspeakers for bhajans and azans.