The Federation of Mosques have accused politicians of targeting Muslims under the guise of noise pollution.
On January 25, 2025, the Bombay High Court said that rules for prevention of noise pollution cannot be violated by places of worship, including mosques. The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, allows noise levels upto 55 decibels during the day and 45 dB at night in residential areas. Noise from loudspeakers can vary between 75 and 200 dB.
Mosque trustees said that while they will follow the Bombay High Court ruling, they believe that some politicians are spreading communal hatred by pressurising the police to file cases against mosques. Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi said that local Hindus have no objections to Azaan and mosque loudspeakers, but action is being taken based on complaints from politicians. He claimed that removing loudspeakers from mosques is illegal and that BJP leader Kirit Somaiya is pressuring the police to do so.
Speakers said that action is being taken on mosque loudspeakers based on a Bombay High Court judgment that provided guidelines and identified measures to control noise pollution. The rules apply to all religious shrines and require permission for loudspeakers. However, the judgment does not specify the structure of loudspeakers, and box-type loudspeakers are being allowed.
With the Maharashtra government enforcing noise rules, mosques are trying alternatives to azaan, or call to prayers, on loudspeakers. Mahim’s Bismillah Masjid has subscribed to a 'Live Mosque' mobile application to broadcast azaan and remind devotees of prayer times.
The call to prayer is an important practice in Islam and as old as the religion when people relied on calls from the muezzins to fulfill the duty of daily prayers. Haji Moin, trustee of Bismillah Masjid, said, “There were previous apps available, but they only played recorded Azaan. The live app is a more authentic experience," said Moin. "The app will help people, especially women, at home.”
The applications allow mosques to register their location and name of the Imam who leads the prayers. Devotees can subscribe to the apps and search for the closest mosque and also to access live azaans from the mosque. When they shift location, devotees can switch between mosques. The apps also provide religious information and other instructions.
Apart from the Mahim mosque, shrines in Chitta Camp, Trombay, have subscribed to the applications. Some are sceptical about the popularity of the apps. Mohammad Yakub Nagori, managing trustee of the Kasai Mohalla mosque, said, "The apps have worked in Europe and western countries. We are not sure of its sucess here."
"There are technical issues, mostly because of the incompatibility of phones. It is new for India, so we are trying to resolve the issues," added Ali.
The launch of the app comes amid increasing legal constraints regarding the use of loudspeakers in places of worship. In light of this, the masjid trustees saw a solution that respects both religious practice and legal frameworks.
