MARGAO: The Hindu Janjagruti Samiti (HJS) on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to the South Goa collector demanding that use of loudspeakers for azaan be stopped across Goa, as per a high court directive.
“In spite of the court order and subsequent directions (by the authorities), it is seen that the noise problem from mosques in Goa continues by using loudspeakers for the purpose of azaan. Due to the loudspeakers, everyone is forced to hear the loud prayer irrespective of their religion. Using the same principles, if all other religions start putting up loudspeakers at their religious places, it will be a big problem to all the citizens,” the memorandum reads.
Pointing out that use of loudspeakers for azaan is not mandatory or an essential part of Islam, the HJS said, “As mentioned by the Supreme Court, sleep is the fundamental right of every Indian citizen, but this right in case of the majority of the population is encroached upon by the use of loudspeakers for azaan in the morning hours i.e. before 6am.”
