A fresh political controversy has erupted in Uttar Pradesh after Cabinet Minister Jaiveer Singh raised concerns over the use of loudspeakers for the early morning Azaan at mosques, stating that religious practices should not disturb public peace and sleep.
Speaking at a traders’ conference in Shikohabad, Firozabad, Singh remarked that 4 AM is generally a time for rest, but loud broadcasts of Azaan were disrupting people’s sleep. He emphasised that while every citizen has the right to practice their religion freely, no one has the right to inconvenience others in its name.
The comments drew sharp criticism from opposition parties. Leaders from the Samajwadi Party and Congress accused the minister of targeting the Muslim community and questioned the intent behind his statement. SP leader Ashutosh Verma urged leaders to respect India’s religious diversity rather than highlight discomfort with specific practices.
In response to the backlash, Minister Jaiveer Singh clarified that his remarks were not directed against any particular religion. He stressed that the issue concerns public convenience and noise pollution. “Every religion and community has the right to follow its customs, but no one has the right to force others or interfere in their daily routine,” he said.
The minister highlighted that the Uttar Pradesh government has implemented uniform rules on loudspeaker use and sound limits for all religious places, including temples, mosques, gurdwaras, and churches. He asserted that these restrictions are religion-neutral and aimed at maintaining law and order.
Singh further claimed that the government’s measures — including curbs on unauthorised religious processions, road blockades, and excessive loudspeaker use — have significantly reduced public inconvenience. “Roads are no longer blocked, and people are experiencing greater peace,” he added.
The controversy underscores the ongoing debate in India over balancing religious freedoms with citizens’ right to a peaceful environment. The state government maintains that its policies promote equality and public welfare, while opposition parties view such statements as polarising.
This story was originally published in muslimmirror.com.