Against SC’s directive: Razvi hits out at Delhi govt’s decision to allow loudspeakers till midnight
A Muslim cleric in New Delhi has slammed Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta over her recent decision to let festivals like Ramlila, Durga Puja, and Dussehra use loudspeakers and public address systems until midnight. Shahabuddin Razvi argues this move goes against Supreme Court rules on noise pollution and shows bias toward Hindu festivals.
The order, greenlit on Monday, runs from September 22 to October 3. It got the nod from Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena after the Delhi government proposed it. This relaxation aims to help nighttime celebrations wrap up without cutting off at 10 p.m.
Chief Minister Gupta defended the change, pointing out the challenges for Hindu festivals. “Ramleela and Durga Puja just can’t end that early,” she said. “If Dandiya dances go all night in Gujarat, why can’t Delhi residents enjoy their festivals? That’s why we’re allowing speakers until midnight.”
But Razvi isn’t buying it. He calls the decision discriminatory, saying it highlights a “biased approach” from Gupta’s BJP-led government. Speaking to reporters, he noted that after 27 years, the BJP finally won power in Delhi and started rolling out new rules favoring Hindu events. “This one spells out Durga Puja details, like schedules and louder volumes. It flips the Supreme Court’s orders, which demanded very low noise levels for music.”
Razvi pointed to double standards with Muslim festivals. “Processions during Rabiul Awwal or Muharram face strict limits,” he said. “But for Hindu celebrations, restrictions vanish. This smells like favoritism.”
He also criticized another government step: shutting down non-vegetarian shops citywide during Navratri. Razvi agrees shops near temples should close to respect sentiments, but argues it’s overkill elsewhere. “In areas far from temples, where no one’s faith gets hurt, why force closures? Shopkeepers should handle it voluntarily if needed.”
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