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Mumbai: Muslim Advocates & Clerics Propose Regulated SOP For Loudspeakers During Ramzan 2026

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Mumbai: ​Muslim advocates and law students have submitted a representation to the Government of Maharashtra, Mumbai Police, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), seeking the formulation of a regulated, city-specific Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the use of sound equipment during the Muslim holy month of Ramzan, which will start on February 17, subject to the sighting of the moon.

​The representation, led by advocate Faiyaz Alam and endorsed by religious leaders, civil liberties groups, and social activists, seeks a special, time-bound executive notification for the controlled use of decibel-regulated religious audio systems during the period.

​The representation says that Mumbai’s dense urban character and mixed residential profile necessitate a clear, uniform, and predictable regulatory framework, in order to avoid arbitrary enforcement, ground-level confusion, repeated controversies, and avoidable litigation that recur every Ramzan.

The advocates have categorically clarified that the representation does not seek any exemption from law, nor does it challenge existing judicial precedents. Instead, it proposes a law-compliant, technology-driven, and uniformly regulated mechanism, strictly within the framework of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, as interpreted by constitutional courts.

​“Courts have consistently held that loudspeakers are not an essential or fundamental religious right. Our representation is therefore not based on religious entitlement, but on the constitutional principle of reasonable accommodation through regulation,” the advocates stated.

​According to the group, a regulated SOP with objective technical safeguards would assist both citizens and enforcement agencies, while ensuring public order, environmental compliance, and communal harmony.

​Key safeguards proposed in the representation include the use of box-type or directional speakers, and locked and pre-calibrated decibel limits in accordance with prescribed norms. The representation said that the SOP should be operational only within permissible timings and applicable exclusively to the month of Ramzan.

​The representation suggested monitoring mechanisms with provisions for immediate withdrawal of permission in case of violation, ensuring that the SOP is not breached.

​The lawyers also urged the authorities to initiate stakeholder consultations and issue a Mumbai-specific executive notification or SOP, applicable strictly within city limits, to bring clarity, transparency, and legal certainty to the regulatory process.

​“We believe that regulation, not confrontation, is the constitutional way forward. A clear SOP will reduce friction, protect lawful religious practice, and strengthen public confidence in governance,” the advocates added.

​The representation also sought the help of the government in notifying a list or specification of decibel-capped, limiter-locked speakers easily available in the market, instead of leaving citizens to face ad-hoc enforcement.

​In 2025, Mumbai police started enforcing The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, in response to a Bombay High Court order on January 25, 2025, which stated that places of worship cannot violate noise pollution rules. The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, allow noise levels up to 55 decibels during the day and 45 dB at night in residential areas. Noise from loudspeakers can vary between 75 and 200 dB.

The month of Ramzan will end with Ramzan Eid which is expected to take place on March 19 or 20.

​Regulatory Framework: Muslim advocates and students are seeking a city-specific Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for audio equipment during Ramzan to ensure transparency and avoid arbitrary enforcement.

​Legal Compliance: The proposal explicitly states it does not seek exemptions from the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, or judicial precedents.

Technical Safeguards: Suggested measures include the use of directional speakers and locked, pre-calibrated decibel limiters to remain within prescribed noise levels.

​”Regulation, Not Confrontation”: The advocates emphasise that loudspeakers are not a fundamental religious right, basing their request instead on the principle of reasonable accommodation.

​Collaborative Governance: The representation urges authorities to provide specifications for decibel-capped speakers and to consult stakeholders to ensure communal harmony and environmental compliance.

Maharashtra

Focus where the power is, victory will be ours…In the elections, Member of Parliament Dr. Shrikant Shinde gave the workers a mantra of victory

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Mumbai: In the upcoming Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections, focus with full force where the organization is strong. Plan at the micro level, appoint booth coordinators and strengthen the election preparations. If we work in an organized and strategic manner, victory will be ours. This message was given by Shiv Sena Parliamentary Party leader and Parliament Ratna MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde to the workers and office bearers. MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde’s two-day Shiv Samavad tour began today from Nandarbar in Khandesh. During this, he reviewed various assembly constituencies of the district in meetings held in Nandarbar and Taloda. Addressing the meeting, he guided the workers regarding the preparations and organization for the upcoming elections. Minister Dada Bhose, MLA Amsha Padvi, MLA Chandrakant Raghuvanshi, MLA Rajendra Gavit, Shiv Sena state unit chief and former MP Anand Paranjape, Shiv Sena secretary Bhausaheb Choudhary, Shiv Sena Nandarbar Lok Sabha liaison chief and former MLA Shreesh Choudhary and other important officials were present on the occasion. MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde reviewed the Shahada and Akkalkuwa assembly constituencies in Taloda this morning. In this meeting, he directed the officials to effectively conduct the voter list revision campaign, appoint BLAs and appoint a coordinator at each of the 20 polling stations. He said that the appointment of coordinators will enable regular review of each booth. If work is done systematically at the booth level, the organization will be strong and the chances of winning the elections will also increase. MP Dr. Shinde further said that what happened in the previous elections should be left behind. All the workers and office bearers should work unitedly thinking about how to increase the strength of Shiv Sena in the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti areas. He said that there will be no alliance in the upcoming elections, the party leadership will decide on this, but the workers should work with attention at each booth. If we work with full effort and dedication, victory will be ours.

Dr. Shinde said that the strength of Shiv Sena in Nandurbar district is continuously increasing. A large section has been formed in the state that respects Shinde sahib’s leadership. As the Chief Minister, Shinde sahib implemented many welfare schemes of public interest, which the voters are aware of. This is the reason why Shiv Sena has got good public support and success in the Nagar Parishad and Municipal Corporation elections.

In the second meeting held in Nandurbar city, MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde reviewed Nandurbar and Nawapur assembly constituencies. On this occasion, he said that Shinde sahib has done a lot for the common people through the “Shaan Aap Ke Darwaza” campaign. The people’s trust in his leadership is constantly increasing. This is why leaders and workers of other political parties are also eager to join Shiv Sena. MLA Dr. Shinde urged the workers to strengthen the organization and asked them to work with full loyalty and increase the strength of the party. He said that the election symbol of Shiv Sena ‘Dhanush Ban’ should reach every area. The party leadership is committed to strengthening the workers and providing them all possible support. On this occasion, MLA Chandrakant Raghuvanshi said that Shiv Sena has a good hold in Akkalkuwa and Dhargaon talukas, while special efforts are needed to further strengthen the organization in Taloda and Shahada talukas. He expressed confidence that Shiv Sena will hoist the saffron flag in the upcoming Nandarbar Zilla Parishad elections. MLA Raghuvanshi also demanded that party office bearers and corporators be given more organizational powers and responsibilities. MLA Amsha Padvi and former MLA Shreesh Chaudhary also expressed their views in the meeting.

Shinde sahib’s eye on every taluka and assembly constituency
The Shiv Sena chief and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra pays special attention to every taluka and assembly constituency. This is why party leaders are constantly touring even in the scorching heat of 45 degrees. This was said by Shiv Sena Parliamentary Party leader and MP Dr. Srikant Shinde.

He said that there is no election yet, yet Shiv Sena leaders are going from village to village to meet workers and working to strengthen the organization. Dr. Shinde said that under the leadership of Shinde sahib, there has been a big change in the way Shiv Sena works. Earlier, leaders used to go on tours, give speeches and leave, but now it is not like that. He said that now it is not just speeches but the leader himself goes to the field and works and establishes a direct dialogue with the workers. Dr. Shinde said that in the last two years, he has visited Nandarbar district four times, which shows the seriousness of the party leadership towards the organization.

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Maharashtra

Mayor Ritu Tawde appeals to citizens to make Mumbai green and vibrant, takes initiative for tree plantation, participates in tree plantation at various places

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Mumbai: Every citizen should voluntarily participate in the central government’s ‘Ek Vresh Ai Che Nave’ (One Tree for Mother) campaign. They should take a pledge to plant and nurture at least one tree in a public place. The Municipal Corporation will provide the necessary saplings, soil and other facilities for this initiative. In the backdrop of increasing urbanization, creating more and more green and lush areas in Mumbai is the need of the hour. Trees are the pillars of ecological balance and a Mumbai adorned with greenery will be a priceless gift for the coming generations. Therefore, Mumbai Mayor Smt. Ritu Tawde appealed to everyone to take the initiative to make Mumbai tree-filled, clean and beautiful. On the occasion of World Environment Day, an initiative to plant about 17,047 trees was launched today (June 5, 2026) morning under the patronage of Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde. This includes places like Vashi Zakat Naka, near Maurya Lake in Mulund (East) on the Eastern Express Highway, near Bhandup Udanchan Kendra in Nahor (East), Kanjarmarg Launch Pad, near Kesorena Housing Society in Ghatkopar (East) and Chittaranjan Maidan in Ghatkopar (East). Mayor Mrs. Tawde highlighted that this is a major step towards making Mumbai greener, more eco-friendly and sustainable. The tree plantation drive was launched by the Mayor in the morning. Ritu Tawde in the Vashi Naka area, one of the major entry points of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. This was followed by an ambitious initiative by the Mayor to plant 1000 trees on both sides of the Eastern Expressway between Malind and Ghatkopar. Under this, a special initiative was taken to plant yellow river trees in the boundaries of the three wards N, S and T along the Eastern Expressway between Pantnagar and Malind. This initiative will help make the Eastern Expressway area more attractive, natural and eco-friendly in the coming days.

In addition, the Mayor also launched a comprehensive campaign to plant 16,000 trees on the Kanjurmarg land. Mayor Tawde expressed confidence that these tree plantation activities at various locations will significantly increase the green cover of Mumbai and strengthen environmental protection.

The tree plantation drive held at various locations was attended by the President of the Ward Committee of M-East Division, Ms. Khairunnisa Akbar Hussain, Local Corporator Zameer Qureshi, Local Corporator Dinesh Panchal, Local Corporator Roshan Sheikh, Local Corporator Shabana Qazi, Executive Engineer of M-East Division and Assistant Commissioner (Additional Charge) Mr. Bhaskar Kasgakar, Assistant Commissioner of TD Vision, STM were also present. Yogita Kolhe, Assistant Commissioner of S Division and Assistant Commissioner (Additional Charge) Mayur Bhamre, Assistant Commissioner of N Division Maruti Pawar, Deputy Superintendent of Gardens Sunil Rathod, Assistant Superintendent of Gardens Harshikesh Hendry along with concerned officers, citizens, NGOs, environmental workers were present.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai 9 DCPs transferred, Smita Patil transferred to Port Zone

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Mumbai: After a massive transfer in Maharashtra Police, the Home Ministry has today issued transfer orders of 9 DCPs. DCPATS Dinesh Giri Dharbari has been transferred to Pune Crime Branch SP, Yashwant Salwanke Additional SP to DCP Amrautti, Sandeep Jadhav to State Control Room, Shashikant Devaraj to Mirabhayander DCP, Smita Bheeshek Patil to DCP Port Zone from Security Corporation, Matish Ghati to DCP Mumbai City from Mumbai Force One, Vaishali Mane Bhayander has been cancelled and restored to her post. In Mumbai too, the transfer of several DCPs has been cancelled and they have been retained in Mumbai. Along with this, the process of transfers of IPS officers is going on across the state.

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