BENGALURU: Barely 24 hours after the state government moved to quell the row on use of loudspeakers by issuing fresh rules, home minister Araga Jnanendra said on Wednesday that the government will strictly monitor implementation of the guidelines and legal action will be taken if violations occur.
Some fringe pro-Hindu groups had protested use of loudspeakers to broadcast azaan – which they said was a violation of Supreme Court orders – and, in a tit for tat move, had vowed to play Hanuman Chalisa and bhajans over loudspeakers at temples early in the morning.
Police had foiled this plan at many temples across the state, but it forced the government to intervene. Jnanendra said: “We will ensure loudspeakers are not used between 10pm and 6am. According to the rules, no one can use loudspeakers without prior permission from the government. Everyone should abide by these guidelines.”
Concurring, Anand Singh, tourism minister, said appropriate action will be taken against all those found violating decibel standards while using loudspeakers. “A special team will conduct surprise visits to places where loudspeakers are installed to check violations. Appropriate action will be taken against all those found violating decibel standards,” he said.
Meanwhile, speaking on contractor Santosh Patil’s death by suicide, Jnanendra rubbished Congress allegations and insisted there is no attempt to give the case a quiet burial.
“Police teams led by the superintendent, Udupi district, are investigating and a detailed inquiry is on,” Jnanendra said. “Congress people are also involved. Regardless of party affiliation, all those behind the scam will be found and will be arrested. They will be punished in accordance with the law.”
Will follow guidelines: Muslim Central Committee
KS Mohammed Masood, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi district president of the Muslim Central Committee, on Wednesday said mosques will adhere to guidelines of the Supreme Court and the state government on use of loudspeakers for azaan. He said the committee has already directed all jamaats to adhere to these guidelines.
“As a president of Kudroli Jamiya Masjid, I have directed the masjid to completely stop using loudspeakers,” Masood said.
“I will decide whether I want to seek permission from authorities to use loudspeakers in the masjid. Why should one seek permission from authorities to offer prayers?” Heavily criticising Sri Ram Sene chief Pramod Muthalik for playing Hanuman Chalisa and bhajans in temples to counter azaan, Masood said: “His call to counter azaan were aimed at disrupting peace in society. Action should be taken against him. We want peace, harmony and brotherhood to prevail in society.”
Seeks clarity on Muthalik ban
The committee has also written to the government through the deputy commissioner seeking a clarification on whether Muthalik can enter Dakshina Kannada district since several districts have barred him from entering.
“Even if he is allowed to visit, why was he given a cordial welcome by city police commissioner N Shashi Kumar,” Masood wondered. Earlier this week, Kumar had clarified the issue saying Muthalik had visited his office to discuss an ancient templelike structure inside the Jumma Masjid Malalipete premises.
“He had sought permission to visit the place, but it was denied. A photo clicked by one of his associates during the meeting is being misinterpreted,” Kumar said.
