File complete record of loudspeaker removal process, HC tells police

In response to a petition filed by five Muslim religious establishments in Vikhroli challenging the removal of their loudspeakers by the police since May as unconstitutional and violating due process, the Bombay high court (HC) on Tuesday issued notice to the police to file a complete record of action taken by them by July 9.

- Jyoti Punwani

MUMBAI:

The details asked for include: names of places of worship whose loudspeakers had been removed, measurements of volume emanating from the loudspeakers, whether the police had asked them to lower the volume and if they had complied; the notices sent to them, and whether, despite chances given to them to comply, they had not, before penalties were imposed and loudspeakers removed.

A bench of Justices R V Ghuge and M Sathaye initially stayed the imposition of penalties in these cases but were informed by senior counsel Yusuf Muchhala, appearing for the petitioners, that the fines had already been paid.