Muezzin Arrested in India’s Uttar Pradesh for Allegedly Loud Azan, Mosque Loudspeaker Seized

Police in Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh have arrested a muezzin for allegedly broadcasting the Islamic call to prayer, or azan, at a volume exceeding the prescribed limits. Authorities also seized the mosque’s loudspeaker, and the muezzin was subsequently sent to jail.

According to The Times of India, the arrested muezzin has been identified as Mohammed Faizan. The action was taken on Saturday after the district magistrate and the superintendent of police reportedly heard the azan at an excessive volume while travelling to attend an official public grievance hearing in Najibabad.

District Magistrate Umesh Pratap Singh and Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Bishnoi were passing through the Mohalla Maqbara area when they heard the call to prayer allegedly exceeding the permitted noise limit. The police superintendent then directed officers at Kotwali police station to take action.

Following the instructions, Station House Officer Amit Kumar Malik visited the mosque, seized its loudspeaker and detained Faizan.

An FIR was registered against Faizan based on a complaint filed by Sub-Inspector Saurabh Kumar for allegedly violating noise pollution regulations. Separate legal proceedings were also initiated against him on allegations of disturbing public peace. A sub-divisional magistrate’s court subsequently ordered that he be sent to jail.

Beat Constable Suspended for Negligence
Police also suspended beat constable Lalit Kumar for allegedly failing to enforce noise control regulations in the area.

Following the incident, all police station chiefs in Bijnor district were directed to submit affidavits, through their respective beat constables, confirming that loudspeakers at religious institutions in their jurisdictions were operating within the prescribed sound limits.

Police warned that further violations could lead to disciplinary action against the officers responsible for enforcement, including station house officers and beat constables.

More Than 2,500 Loudspeakers Removed in September
The latest action follows a district-wide campaign against loudspeakers at religious institutions in September, during which police removed a total of 2,509 loudspeakers.

Of these, 1,323 were removed from mosques, 1,116 from temples and 70 from gurdwaras.

Authorities have instructed religious institutions that continue to use loudspeakers to ensure that their sound levels remain within the prescribed limits.

Additional Superintendent of Police Krishna Gopal Singh said the district-wide campaign was aimed at enforcing government directives and court orders on noise pollution.

He said loudspeakers at religious institutions would not be permitted to operate above the prescribed sound limits. Representatives of all religious establishments have been instructed to comply with the rules, while police station chiefs have been directed to ensure enforcement in their respective areas.

The administration has warned that action could be taken against officials responsible for monitoring compliance if further violations are reported.