Mumbai police enforcement of noise regulations has led to the removal of over 1,500 loudspeakers from religious places, predominantly mosques, prompting a shift towards digital solutions for the azaan, or call to prayer. Citizens and officials alike have described the transition as a respectful and pragmatic response to the court mandate, as technology steps in to ensure faith practices continue unhampered.
Legal authorities emphasise that this action stems from longstanding directives by the judiciary. A municipal advocate explained that the measures are rooted in a High Court decree, reaffirmed by Supreme Court rulings, that restricts use of amplified sound in public spaces. The removal has affected mosques across diverse areas including Mahim, Pydhonie, Deonar and Bhendi Bazaar. Residents cited both compliance and respect for the law as key motivators behind this rapid change. One resident from Mahim, living steps away from several mosques, remarked that he now relies on mobile apps for azaan reminders and qibla direction—an adaptation he had already adopted when travelling overseas. He described the ban as a natural extension of existing practices and praised the convenience of technology. Conversely, another resident from Pydhonie expressed inconvenience due to not having downloaded an azaan app, though he adapted by memorising daily prayer timings.
In low-rise neighbourhoods such as Deonar, faint echoes of the call to prayer have disappeared entirely, even in the absence of tall buildings. Experts point out that the shift to digital notifications reflects both legal compliance and a modern approach to religious observance. However, they caution that an overreliance on apps may present challenges: different Islamic sects follow varying prayer schedules, and platform reliability can vary—highlighting the importance of inclusive, well‑supported solutions. A trustee of a central Mumbai mosque corroborated this perspective. Living adjacent to a mosque, daily callouts are no longer audible, but he noted that most members have accepted the legal change and migrated to digital alerts. He argued that digital solutions need to be reliable to replace loudspeakers effectively and called for a revisiting of noise regulations, citing rising traffic noise and urban density, which also affect ambient sound levels.
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Mosque leaders have initiated tech-based solutions, deploying mobile apps and special prayer clocks to ensure timely notification. They caution that technology serves as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for devotion, and that community engagement remains crucial. Urban planning experts highlight the broader implications: minimising noise pollution contributes to healthier city living, while promoting eco-friendly urban soundscapes aligns with sustainable and fair city development. The ban has sparked debate on whether noise regulations should adapt to account for evolving urban infrastructure and mobility.
Ultimately, Mumbai’s experience reflects a city in transition—embracing digital innovation while safeguarding religious traditions. The reactor to regulatory change through technology may serve as a model for other urban centres balancing religious expression with civic harmony and sustainability.
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