CHENNAI, INDIA, March 31, 2016 (Deccan Chronicle): Castigating the practice of using horn-type loud speakers (funnel-type, used mainly as mosques for the call to prayer) at religious places of various religions, causing noise pollution, the Madras high court observed, “It appears that these institutions (places of worship of different faiths) perceive that the blessing of God cannot be obtained unless there is loud noise. Prayers for all religions have been going on from ancient time even when electricity did not exist”.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice M.M. Sundresh directed the authorities to immediately carry out inspection of all these places and ensure action against noise pollution. The Bench was passing orders on a PIL from S. Kumarvelu, a social worker, which sought a direction to the authorities to implement the order passed by the Supreme Court way back in 2005, restricting the use of horn type loud speakers in its letter and spirit in order to control the noise pollution.
“We see no reason why in view of the categorical judgment of the SC, which is now eleven years old, there should be any violation whatsoever. More than enough time has elapsed for implementation. The respondents (authorities) are directed to file the compliance report before the court, the Bench added.