He stressed that the state would not make different rules for different communities; Deadline to remove MNS firm loudspeaker on May 3
He stressed that the state would not make different rules for different communities; Deadline to remove MNS firm loudspeaker on May 3
stating that there is no provision for Maharashtra Government As for installation or removal of loudspeakers, state Home Minister Dilip Walse-Patil on Monday clarified that the state government will not make different norms for different communities and it is up to the central government to come out with a uniform rule. Regarding loudspeakers at the national level.
Mr. Walse-Patil was speaking after an all-party meeting called at the Sahyadri Guest House.
While the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) boycotted the meeting. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) who triggered disputesaid after the meeting that it stood by their ‘ultimatum’ of May 3 MVA Govt. Demand for removal of loudspeakers (of Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress) from mosques.
State Environment Minister Aaditya Thackeray, who was also present, said the issue would be taken with the center and a delegation of that all party leader Will travel from Maharashtra to Delhi to discuss the matter further.
“For the past few days, some political parties have been issuing us deadlines to remove loudspeakers and demanding that we set rules on their use. I had invited prominent leaders of all political parties to try and find a way out of the matter, but BJP leaders were not present,” Mr Walse-Patil said.
He said that it was decided in the all-party meeting that the government should take all possible steps to maintain law and order in the state and work accordingly.
“The Supreme Court had ruled on the use of loudspeakers (rules) in 2005. Subsequently, other courts have also given judgments in this regard. Accordingly, the Government of Maharashtra came out with certain GRs (Government Proposals) and circulars on the use of loudspeakers between 2015-17 and permitting its use including timing and decibel limits. Based on this, loudspeakers are being used in the state,” the home minister said.
He clarified that there is no such provision where the state government can decide to install or remove loudspeakers. “Those who have installed loudspeakers and those who use it, have to take care of the rules already framed by the Supreme Court,” he said.
Commenting that the issue of noise pollution caused by loudspeakers was not related to any party or religion, Mr. Aaditya Thackeray, without naming the MNS or the BJP, said that some parties were trying to make political capital out of the issue.
“The meeting was held regarding noise pollution norms and law and order situation in the state. It is not just a matter of temple or mosque but all religious establishments using loudspeakers,” Mr Thackeray said.
Earlier this month, MNS chief Raj Thackeray warned Muslim community leaders to remove loudspeakers used for playing azaan (prayer), following which they would meet loudspeakers playing Hanuman Chalisa five times a day.
While Mr. Raj Thackeray did not attend the all-party meeting, MNS leaders Bala Nandgaonkar, Sandeep Deshpande and Nitin Sardesai were present.
After the meeting, Mr. Nandgaonkar said, “If the state government sticks to retaining the loudspeakers, then the MNS also sticks to its deadline to remove them.”