K’taka govt permits loudspeaker use at more than 15,000 religious places, including mosques

Bengaluru: Karnataka government, on Saturday, permitted the use of loudspeakers at more than 15,000 places of worship in the state.

According to IANS, the Karnataka police department, on directions from the state government, has issued licenses to 10,889 mosques in the state permitting them to use loudspeakers. Three thousand Hindu temples and 1,400 churches have also been given permission for the same.

A total of 17,850 applications were submitted from mosques, temples, and churches for the use of loudspeakers. The license has been given for a period of two years. The government has collected Rs 450 as the fee., an IANS report said.

The ruling BJP government took the decision on licensing after Hindu activists raised the banner of revolt against mosques using loudspeakers during performing Ajaan violating the Supreme Court guidelines. Hindu organizations had given calls to play chants of Hindu Gods and Goddesses from 5 a.m.

Muslim organizations had given a call to the management of mosques across the state not to violate the rules and follow orders of the state government in obtaining licenses to play loudspeakers.

The guidelines have also been prescribed for use of loudspeakers for mosques, temples, and churches. The loudspeakers could only be played between 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The loudspeakers will have to be played in accordance with the limit of decibels. It has been made compulsory to adopt the equipment which controls the decibels.

(With IANS inputs)