Mumbai: After Bombay High Court’s judgement stressing that public interest prevails over religious use of loudspeakers, all communities have welcomed the judgement. However, Muslim scholars and activists have argued that only the Muslim community will be targeted against through this order, whereas the judgement speaks for all the communities.

On Thursday, the Bombay High Court passed a judgement saying that use of loudspeakers is not an essential part of any religion. The High Court was hearing a petition filed by Jaago Nehru Nagar Residents Welfare Association and Shivsrushti Co-op. Housing Societies Association Ltd. alleging police inaction against noise pollution caused by loudspeakers installed on masjids in the area.

While the HC bench reminded the authorities that cumulative ambient noise levels must not exceed 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night in residential areas, the court also noted that the police are bound to act on the complaints of noise pollution. The judgement brought two major changes in the existing procedures including the level of volume while using loudspeakers during the day and the responsibility of police to act against the religious pleas flouting the norms.

Advocate Kaushik Mhatre, who appeared for this matter, said, “According to Mahesh Bedekar vs The State of Maharashtra, the court has set a benchmark of sound levels to be below 55 decibels against the earlier practice of using the speakers on high volumes. It has also asked the police to take action against noise pollution instances under the Maharashtra Police Act.”

While the judgement has been welcomed by all communities upholding the convenience of human beings and the wrath caused by noise pollution, Muslim scholars and activists argued that it should not be turned.

Mufti Manzur Ziyaee, chairman of International Sufi Carvan, said, “Just like the entire planet, pollution is a major concern in India and everyone should contribute to curb it. Whether it is a religious, social or a personal event, the guidelines should be followed by all. There will be narratives targeting one particular community as the facilitator of this issue. Rather than religious perspective, both the communities should look at the issue as a national an environmental concern.”

Religious scholars said that apart from implementing the guidelines on religious places and events, they should also be implemented on social and personal events to win the fight against noise pollution.

Ashfaq Qazi, Mufti of Jumma Masjid at Kalbadevi, said, “Sharia does not say that we need to disturb someone through azaan. We support this order by the High Court as we also believe that nobody should be affected due to noise pollution. Azaan is held only for three to five minutes whereas there are events which use loudspeakers till late in the night. There should not be a dual policy and the rules should be same for all kind of events.”

Saleem Sarang, president of Muslim Welfare Association, suggested that only one mosque should use loudspeaker in the localities with multiple mosques as the objective of alerting people is being fulfilled by one mosque also. However, he alleged that Maharashtra’s member of legislative council Chitra Wagh has already given the judgement a communal angle through her social media post.

“Since the court’s judgement is for all the religions, it should be followed by everyone. However, the Muslim community is being specifically targeted by politicians like Wagh, who are portraying that the judgement is only for Muslims. She should not paint this issue with communal colours,” Sarang added.

Hindu organisations, on the other hand, alleged that the judgement is specifically meant for Muslim community which uses loudspeakers for religious purposes multiple times everyday, whereas the Hindus use it occasionally during festivals. They also demanded that the new guidelines should be implemented urgently.

Shriraj Nair, national spokesperson of the Vishva Hindu Parishad, said, “We support the High Court’s observation since loudspeakers being played five times a day is a big nuisance. Hindus use these loudspeakers for religious use only during festivals and does not harass people everyday. However, the law of the land is above every organisation and individual and should be followed by everyone irrespective of their religion.”

Sunil Ghanwat, national convenor of Mandir Mahasangh, said, “We welcome the Bombay High Court’s judgement. However such similar orders have been passed by multiple high courts and the supreme court as well but the government fails to implement them strictly. This is the reason mosques have been flouting these orders five times a day. We urge the government to implement the court’s judgement on immediate basis.”

Mumbai: 14.95 per cent hike in fares of the buses operated by Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) came into operation on Saturday.

Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation on Friday approved the hike as per the formula determined by the Hakim Committee.

As a result of this hike, passengers travelling by MSRTC buses will have to pay more for their journeys. The fare increase will be applicable to all routes operated by MSRTC, which has a massive fleet of 15,000 buses. These buses transport around 55 lakh passengers daily, making it one of the largest bus networks in India.

MMRTA Approves 3% Increase In Base Fare

Meanwhile, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA) has approved a Rs 3 increase in the base fare for both auto rickshaws and black-and-yellow taxis. This means auto-rickshaw fares will rise from Rs 23 to Rs 26, while taxi base fares will increase from Rs 28 to Rs 31 1.

Additionally, the fare for blue-and-silver AC cool cabs will also see an increase of Rs 8, with the new fare for the first 1.5 kilometers being Rs 48, up from the current Rs 40.

It’s worth noting that these new rates will only be applicable once the meters in all vehicles have been recalibrated to reflect the changes.

Western Railway Initiates A Three-Day Jumbo Block

Meanwhile, the Western Railway has initiated a three-day jumbo block, which will take place on the 24th, 25th, and 26th of this month. The mega block commenced at 11 PM last night, with plans to extend until 8:30 AM each morning.

This block was taken for the construction of a bridge between Bandra and Mahim. Currently, Western Railway has resumed normal operations.

This will lead to repercussions on several long-distance trains, Train No. 20901, Mumbai Central-Gandhinagar Capital Vande Bharat Express, scheduled for January 25, 2025, will now depart at 06:15 hrs from Mumbai Central.

Similarly, Train No. 22953, Mumbai Central-Ahmedabad Gujarat Superfast Express, will be rescheduled to depart at 06:40 hrs on January 25, 2025. Train No. 12009, Mumbai Central-Ahmedabad Shatabdi Express, will depart at 06:30 hrs from Mumbai Central on the same date. Additionally, Train No. 09052, Bhusaval-Dadar Special, will short terminate at Borivali and remain partially cancelled between Borivali and Dadar on January 25, 2025, according to Western Railway social media platform X updates.

Mumbai: The much-awaited Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF) is back for its 25th edition, transforming Mumbai into a vibrant hub of culture and creativity. From January 25 to February 2, 2025, the festival will bring together artists, performers, and audiences in a grand celebration of artistic diversity and heritage.

With the theme ‘Silver’, this year promises a dazzling lineup of events, performances, and installations. “For 25 years, KGAF has brought out the best of Mumbai’s creative spirit, giving all kinds of artists and art forms the platform and freedom to express, engage and inspire,” said Festival Director Brinda Miller.

An unparalleled lineup of events

This year’s festival will feature over 300 programs across 15 categories, hosted at more than 25 venues. From visual arts to theatre, literature, music, dance, and even stand-up comedy, there’s something for everyone. The district will come alive with heritage walks, children’s activities, food events, and much more.

The opening event, Silver Sitaare Fusion, will be a spectacular showcase of 25 distinct dance styles, performed by 55 celebrated artists. Additionally, renowned composer Shantanu Moitra will unveil the KGAF Anthem, marking a special tribute to the festival’s incredible journey.

What are the highlights of the 2025 Edition?

Art lovers can expect a plethora of unforgettable experiences this year:

Literature Enthusiasts: Dive into thought-provoking sessions featuring Devdutt Pattanaik, Gurcharan Das, and Jerry Pinto. Topics will range from mythology to modern queer narratives.

Culinary Delights: Foodies will love the Chefs of Kala Ghoda series, showcasing creative culinary experiences.

Dance and Theatre: Be mesmerized by performances from Aditi Mangaldas, Padmashri Narthaki Nataraj, and Prachee Shah Pandya, or enjoy plays by legends like Makarand Deshpande, Juhi Babbar, and Aakarsh Khurana.

Tributes: A special screening of The Hundred-Foot Journey will honor Om Puri, followed by a conversation with his family and friends.

Interactive Fun: Join a lively session of Kvizzing with the Comedians, featuring Shreeja Chaturvedi and Kumar Varun.

The festival will be hosted across iconic venues like the David Sassoon Library, Elphinstone College, Asiatic Library Steps, and Afghan Church, to name a few. Entry to the festival is free, but registration is required through Paytm Insider.

25 years of art and creativity

Launched in 1999 by the Kala Ghoda Association, KGAF has grown from a local street arts initiative to Asia’s largest multicultural festival. The funds raised each year contribute to the restoration of heritage sites in Mumbai’s Kala Ghoda district.

Bringing together heritage, contemporary art, and a global audience, the festival stands as a testament to Mumbai’s artistic pulse. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a heritage lover, or simply curious, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2025 offers an unforgettable experience.