Overview
Following court orders to remove loudspeakers from religious structures in Mumbai, local mosques have adopted alternative technological methods to continue broadcasting the azaan to the community.
Court-Ordered Loudspeaker Ban
- Police, acting on court directives for noise pollution control, removed 1,608 loudspeakers from religious sites in Mumbai, with 1,149 from mosques.
- Maharashtra's Chief Minister announced Mumbai as officially "loudspeaker-free."
Community and Legal Response
- Several petitions have been filed in Bombay High Court, arguing the ban infringes on religious freedom.
- Despite legal proceedings, mosques are proactively seeking solutions instead of waiting for verdicts.
Alternative Solutions Implemented
- Societies such as Maharashtra Nagar, Mankhurd, have installed speakers in individual flats, directly linking to neighboring mosques to broadcast the azaan.
- This private speaker network benefits 50 homes and avoids public noise complaints.
Mobile Application: OnlineAzan
- The "OnlineAzan" app, developed in Tamil Nadu, lets users hear live azaan from their chosen mosque as soon as the muezzin recites.
- Over two dozen mosques in Mumbai, including major ones, have adopted the app, sharing access via WhatsApp within congregations.
- The app and website allow mosques to register and are provided free of charge for charitable purposes.
Community Impact and Adoption
- The first Mumbai mosque to use OnlineAzan, Noor Masjid in Cheeta Camp, reports strong satisfaction and additional local mosques joining.
- The app was initially designed for those far from mosques but is now repurposed to address the fallout from the loudspeaker removal.
Historical Context
- Loudspeakers were introduced to ensure the azaan reaches a broader audience, reflecting its deep-rooted significance in daily Muslim worship.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- What will be the outcome of the court challenges regarding the right to broadcast religious calls publicly?
- Will other cities in India adopt similar technological solutions, and how will regulations evolve in response?