Karnataka: Chikkamagaluru municipality to check illegal use of loudspeakers in public

SHIVAMOGGA: Amid controversy over banning Muslim vendors from carrying out business at Hindu fairs, Chikkamagaluru Municipality decided to verify illegal sound systems and loudspeakers being used at religious centres.
"We have received many complaints from senior citizens and people with health issues that the sound from loudspeakers are causing sound pollution in the neighbourhood.We have decided to check all religious places to verify if they have taken permission to use loudspeakers. Of late, some religious institutes are mushrooming in the city and have started using loudspeakers without taking permission from the competent police department. As per directives from the courts, anyone using loudspeaker will have to obtain permission from the competent authority," he said.
The decision of ruling BJP in the municipality has raised several questions. Congress members in the council have questioned BJP's arbitrary decision and claimed there is no such complaints from residents.
Speaking to STOI, city municipal council president Varasiddi Venugopal CS said he has no objection if anyone using loudspeakers take permission from the police department. "The resolution taken in the council will be implemented according to high court orders. It is applicable to all religious institutes - temples, churches and mosques. Municipal staff will give advisory to them," he said.