Maharashtra Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil on Wednesday said he will hold a meeting with the key leaders of all political parties and some organisations in the state before a final decision is taken over with the use of loudspeakers.
He made the comments against the backdrop of a strong pitch made by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party over removing high-decibel loudspeakers installed on mosques.
Gold Rate
06 May 2025
Interacting with media persons in Mumbai, Walse Patil also said that loudspeakers can be installed only after seeking permission from the police as per law.
He said state’s Director General of Police Rajnish Seth held a meeting with the top officials on the issue of loudspeakers on Tuesday and submitted a report in this regard to him on Wednesday.
“He (Seth) has submitted a report to me on what situation may arise in the state over the next some days and steps to be taken in that regard,” the minister added.
Walse Patil, without naming anyone, reiterated that attempts are being made to disturb law and order in the state and added that the government has taken a “serious view” of the same.
He requested everyone to desist from taking law into their hands, escalating conflicts and dividing communities.
“Strict action will be taken if anyone does this and peace will be established,” he added.
Walse Patil said that the Supreme Court had passed a judgement on noise pollution in 2005, and added the state government had issued some government resolutions in that regard in 2015 and 2017.
“Instruction will be issued to authorities concerned to implement the same. But before taking a final decision in this regard, I will hold a meeting with leaders of key parties in the state to discuss the issue.
“I will hold discussions with some organisations as well. After that, a final decision will be made,” he added.
To a question, Walse Patil said MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who had made a strong pitch for removing loudspeakers from mosques earlier this month, will also be invited for the meeting.
Walse Patil, however, did not specify the date when the meeting will be held.
The minister also said he will welcome if people follow the Supreme Court order (on noise pollution) on their own.
To another question, Walse Patil said Aurangabad police commissioner has received letters seeking to disallow Thackeray’s planned rally in Aurangabad city, and added that cops will take a call in this regard assessing the local situation.
