Karnataka govt issues directions to regulate use of loudspeakers

HT Correspondent

BENGALURU: Karnataka on Tuesday asked all users of loudspeakers to obtain written permission from authorities within 15 days, as part of a broad set of directions to regulate their use in the state, in the wake of the azaan versus Hanuman Chalisa row.

The circular was issued by an under-secretary to the government following a note sent by chief secretary P Ravi Kumar to additional chief secretary Jawaid Akhtar, department of forest, ecology and environment.

The circular, which comes into effect immediately, stated: “All existing users of loud speakers/ public address system and sound producing instruments shall obtain written permission from the Designated Authority within 15 days.” The circular comes at a time when some right-wing organisations have threatened to intensify their campaign to play the Hanuman Chalisa outside mosques that play azaan (call for prayers) through loudspeakers.

“Those who do not obtain permission, should voluntarily remove loud speakers/public address system and sound producing instruments or else the same shall be removed by the designated authority within 15 days from the deadline given,” it added.

“Non-compliance to the provisions of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, Government Order dated August 13, 2002 and directions above shall attract penal action in accordance with Section 15, 19 and 24 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986,” the circular said.

The government also listed the permit-approving authorities. In police commissionerate areas, the assistant commissioner or police, jurisdictional executive engineer of the city corporation and a representative of pollution control board will be the authority. In all other areas, the deputy superintendent of police, jurisdictional tahsildar and a representative of pollution control board will have the authority to approve and take action against any violation, it said.