The Gujarat High Court, in response to a public interest litigation (PIL), ruled that the use of loudspeakers for Azaan in mosques does not constitute noise pollution. The PIL, filed by Dharmendra Prajapati, alleged disturbance and noise pollution due to loudspeakers during Azaan.
Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Aniruddha Mayee dismissed the PIL, stating it was “wholly misconceived” and lacked evidence of noise decibel violations. The court questioned the petitioner on the grounds of noise pollution claims, comparing it to loud music during bhajans or aartis in temples.
The Chief Justice remarked, “We aren’t speaking about music played in homes. You also play loud music for bhajan or aarti in a temple. That doesn’t cause disturbance? How does this (Azaan) cause disturbance? This is for few minutes. Less than 10 minutes (throughout the day) it is.”
The court challenged the petitioner’s argument, asking about noise levels during temple rituals and emphasizing that Azaan lasts for less than 10 minutes each day. The petitioner failed to provide evidence of measured decibel levels during Azaan.
The court observed, “We, therefore, do not find any good ground to entertain this PIL. It is thus, dismissed.”
