Calcutta High Court allows PIL against removal of mosque loudspeakers in Bengal

The Calcutta High Court has granted permission for a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) targeting the removal of mosque loudspeakers in West Bengal. The petition, filed by Kalyan Banerjee, a TMC MP and Senior Advocate, challenges the state's alleged unlawful directive to remove loudspeakers from nearly 4,000 mosques. The case will be heard on Thursday.

Earlier, a similar bench of the High Court ruled that loudspeakers could be used during the Azaan, provided they adhere to noise restrictions. A protest rally, aimed at opposing the removal of loudspeakers at religious sites, has been authorized by a single bench, scheduled for Tuesday in Kolkata from Rajabazar to Moulali. The rally is expected to involve up to 750 participants.

Controversy arose after loudspeakers were taken down across Bengal due to a police initiative against noise pollution. Several mosque committees claimed they were given only verbal warnings. Last week, three opposition MPs met with the Union Home Minister and Chief Minister to express concerns over religious freedom and requested the Centre to enforce noise pollution regulations without infringing upon religious liberties.