Andhra Deputy Speaker Demands Action Against Loudspeaker Misuse at Worship Sites
The deputy speaker urges police to enforce noise laws against loudspeaker misuse at worship sites.
K. Raghu Rama Krishna Raju has urged the Andhra Pradesh Police to take strict action against the unauthorised use of loudspeakers at places of worship across the state, citing growing concerns over noise pollution and public disturbance.
In a letter addressed to the Director General of Police, the Deputy Speaker said the “rampant and unregulated use of loudspeakers” had become a serious issue affecting residents, students, elderly citizens, and patients. He stressed that while freedom of religion is a constitutional right, it should not violate the public’s right to peace and health.
Raju referred to the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, along with Supreme Court guidelines, which restrict loudspeaker usage to specific timings and limited occasions each year. However, he alleged that many institutions continue to use high-decibel sound systems daily without proper regulation.
The TDP leader said he has already been enforcing the rules strictly in his own constituency and requested police authorities to ensure uniform implementation across Andhra Pradesh.
He also cited multiple legal provisions while demanding enforcement action, including Sections 270, 292, and 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deal with public nuisance and disobedience of lawful government orders. In addition, he pointed to Section 15 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, which allows imprisonment and fines for violating environmental standards.
The Deputy Speaker further noted that Rules 7 and 8 of the Noise Pollution Rules empower police to seize unauthorised sound equipment and immediately stop sources of excessive noise.
Raju concluded by asking the DGP to issue urgent statewide instructions to restore “peace and order in residential areas” and ensure stricter compliance with noise-control regulations.
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