Karnataka CM says, after UP, Karnataka will implements the SC orders on loudspeakers

By Our Special Correspondent

AS member of a pro-Hindu Organization played devotional songs from temples early Monday morning to protest against use of loudspeakers at mosques Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has that the state government will ensure to implement the Supreme Court's order on the use of loudspeakers in public places in a cordial manner.

"The Supreme Court has issued an order on the use of loudspeakers in public places; the then State government too had in 2002 issued an order in this regard. Action would be taken to implement it in a cordial manner," Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said.

Demanding that the government implement the SC order and remove unauthorized loudspeakers, Sriram Sene members played devotional songs at temples in Hubballi Dharwad and other palces. In Kalaburagi, the police arrested members of the organization when they started marching toward a mosque to play bhajans.

Deputy leader in the Assembly U T Khader, who led the delegation to meet the chief minister, maintained that the noise pollution issue should not be linked to any religion or community, and the government should formulate rules to implement the court orders, which everyone should abide by. Congress legislators N A Haris, Naseer Ahmed and Rajya Sabha member Syed Naseer Hussain were part of the delegation.

Earlier in the day, Hanuman Chalisa, Suprabhata, Omkara and other devotional songs were played at temples in different parts of the state as part of a campaign by Hindu groups, including Sri Rama Sene, alleging failure on part of the government to take action against loudspeakers installed at mosques. Recorded versions or bhajans being recited by those present at the temples were played out at around 5 am to counter the morning azaan being recited on the loudspeakers.

The GO issued by the state government also specifies details on various aspects, like whether the loudspeakers are used throughout the year and the need to obtain clearance for this.