Police remove over 2,500 unauthorised loudspeakers from mosques and temples in Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) – In the past 24 hours, UP Police have removed over 2,500 unauthorised loudspeakers from mosques and temples across the State. Massive action was taken in Kanpur, Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Sant Kabir Nagar, Azamgarh, Pilibhit, and Kanpur. Beginning at 4 a.m. on 6^th December, loudspeakers installed without permission or emitting noise beyond permissible levels were removed. The entire operation was closely monitored by the office of Director General of Police.

Action ordered by CM Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held an online meeting on 4^th December, directing the Police to identify and take action against unauthorised loudspeakers. He also instructed officials to first approach those responsible for the mosques and temples and request voluntary removal of the loudspeakers. Following this, the Police began their operation.

Objections from maulanas in Kanpur

In Kanpur, Police removed 54 loudspeakers within 24 hours. This led to objections from maulanas, who expressed dissatisfaction, claiming that even loudspeakers installed in compliance with regulations were removed without prior notice. They argued that they use the loudspeakers for less than five minutes at a time, five times a day, and that such usage does not justify removal.

City Qazi (Islamic legal expert and judge) Hafiz Abdul Quddus Hadi met with the Police Commissioner, stating, “During previous drives, everything was done in compliance with norms. If the loudspeakers are installed as per regulations, they should not be removed.”