Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

The ruling BJP government in Karnataka has granted permission to 10,889 mosques in the state to use loudspeakers on Saturday. The police department has issued licence as per guidelines in this regard on the directions of the state government.

A total of 17,850 applications were submitted from mosques, temples and churches for the use of loudspeakers. Three thousand Hindu temples and 1,400 churches have also been given permission for the same.

The licence has been given for the period of two years. The government has collected Rs450 as the fee.

The ruling BJP government took the decision on licensing after Hindu activists raised the banner of revolt against mosques using loudspeakers while performing Azaan violating the Supreme Court guidelines. Hindu organisations had given call to play the chants of Hindu gods and goddesses from 5am.

Muslim organisations had given a call to the managements of mosques across the state not to violate the rules and follow orders of the state government in obtaining licence to play loudspeakers.

The guidelines have also been prescribed for use of loudspeakers for mosques, temples and churches. The loudspeakers could only be played between 6am to 10pm.

The loudspeakers will have to be played in accordance with the limit of decibels. It has been made compulsory to adopt the equipment which controls the decibels.

Indo-Asian News Service