Karnataka: Amidst the Azaan versus Hanuman Chalisa row in the state, the Karnataka govt on Tuesday issued a set of directions on the use of loudspeakers, if not followed would have to face legal proceedings. The note came as a 15-day ultimatum to users of loudspeakers, or public address systems, to obtain permission from concerned authorities. The state government said those who did not get permission should voluntarily remove loudspeakers.
In the notice, a 15-day ultimatum to users of loudspeakers, or public address systems, to obtain permission from concerned authorities. The state government said those who did not get permission should voluntarily remove loudspeakers.
The state police were put on high alert after Hindutva activists on Monday launched the practice of chanting the Hanuman Chalisa whenever the Azaan was played from mosques. Sri Ram Sena founder Pramod Muthalik inaugurated the programme at a temple in the Mysuru district and said Hanuman Chalisa and suprabhata (morning) prayers were performed at over 1,000 temples against Azaan in mosques.
A total of 301 notices have also been served against loudspeakers till now – 59 have been given to pubs, bars and restaurants, 12 to industries, 83 to temples, 22 to churches and 125 to mosques across the city. A few notices have issued to temples in Malleswaram and other places.
“All users of loudspeakers or public address system shall obtain written permission from the designated authority within 15 days. Those who don’t obtain should voluntarily remove or should be removed by the designated authority,” state Chief Secretary P Ravi Kumar said in his note.