Belagavi: The Karnataka Legislative Council witnessed heated exchanges on Tuesday over noise pollution caused by early morning azan from mosques, with the opposition BJP accusing the Congress government of blatant appeasement politics and selective enforcement of Supreme Court orders.
The issue was raised during the Question and Answer session by BJP member D S Arun, who alleged that the Congress-led government was deliberately turning a blind eye to violations of noise pollution norms in religious institutions of a particular community. Arun narrated his personal ordeal, stating that a mosque located behind his residence begins the azan as early as 4.45 am, well before the legally permissible time.
“According to rules, no loudspeaker or amplified sound is allowed between 10 pm and 6 am. But every day the azan starts before dawn. My father is 86 years old. He is forced to wake up because of the loud noise. Many families in the surrounding area are suffering silently,” Arun said, demanding strict enforcement of Supreme Court guidelines.
Drawing a contrast, Arun accused the government of double standards. “During Ganesh festival, the police immediately stop DJs, seize equipment and issue orders. But when it comes to mosques, even repeated requests don’t work. The police say they have no power. Why this discrimination? Why are Supreme Court orders selectively applied?” he questioned.
In response to the allegations, Forest and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre sought to downplay the issue, stating that noise pollution was not limited to azan alone. “Noise pollution exists everywhere. As per Supreme Court orders, the permissible limit is 50 decibels in residential areas. The government has already framed rules. Committees under DySPs and ACPs have been formed to implement them. Action will be taken wherever complaints are received,” Khandre said.
He further argued that various religious and social events contribute to noise pollution. “Not just azan, even marriage ceremonies, festivals and other religious programmes generate noise. Environmental officers inspect decibel levels and action is taken accordingly,” the minister added.
However, the BJP was far from convinced. Member Bharathi Shetty strongly objected to the minister’s response, saying the problem was not occasional but daily and systemic. “This is not about one day or one festival. Azan is played loudly every single day. People are scared to complain because they know the government will not act,” she said.
Backing her, D S Arun alleged that mosques were enjoying government protection. “The noise levels are ten times higher than the permitted limit, but no one dares to take action. Why? Because they know the Congress government will shield them in the name of sensitivity,” he charged.
When Minister Khandre termed the issue “sensitive,” Arun shot back, “Why is following Supreme Court orders sensitive? Is enforcing the law sensitive? Or is it sensitive only because it might upset a vote bank?”
The debate escalated when the minister accused the BJP of politicising the issue and dragged Deepawali firecrackers into the discussion. “Bursting crackers during Diwali also causes noise pollution,” Khandre remarked. This triggered sharp protests from BJP members, who demanded a direct answer instead of what they called a deliberate diversion.
“Don’t talk about Diwali. Answer the question on azan and Supreme Court orders,” BJP members shouted, forcing the Chair to intervene and restore order.
