MUMBAI: Maharashtra government restricts the use of loudspeakers in places of worship. It will now be mandatory to seek permission from the state government before installing loudspeakers at religious places. May 3 is the last date given to seek permission. After that, the police will remove the loudspeakers that are operating without permission. The permit will also record the level of sound allowed. The government has said it will take strict action if loudspeakers operate on more than the permitted level.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray has come out demanding the removal of loudspeakers from mosques. Thackeray had also announced that Hanuman Chalisa would be broadcast in front of mosques if the loudspeakers were not removed.

The government has said it will not allow anyone to disrupt religious harmony in the state. Earlier, state Home Minister Dilip Walse had said that loudspeakers would not be removed from temples and churches. He also said that the laws related to noise pollution would be tightened and all police commissioners in the state would be instructed on the matter.