The Calcutta High Court on Thursday (13 August) sought the West Bengal Government’s response to allegations that police officials were pressuring mosques across the State to remove loudspeakers used for Azaan.
A Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty and Justice Atarup Banerjee was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning alleged oral directions by police authorities. The Court did not pass any interim order and asked the State to obtain instructions on the allegations. The matter is listed again on August 18, 2026.
Background of the Case
The PIL was filed by Md Danish Farooqui, who alleged that police officials in Hooghly and other parts of West Bengal had been insisting that religious institutions remove loudspeakers without issuing any written order or notification.
Senior Advocate Kalyan Bandopadhyay, appearing for the petitioner, claimed that loudspeakers had allegedly been removed from around 4,000 mosques. He argued that there was no blanket prohibition on their use if prescribed noise limits and timings were followed.
The petitioner also relied on an earlier High Court ruling concerning the regulated use of loudspeakers and submitted that individual violations could be dealt with under the existing legal framework.
Court’s Observations
The Bench questioned the basis and particulars of the allegations, particularly the claim concerning 4,000 mosques. The Court also asked what specific interim protection the petitioner was seeking.
When the petitioner sought an order preventing the State from removing loudspeakers, the Bench pointed out the difficulty of enforcing such an order without concrete instances.
“If we pass this order, when it comes to us in contempt, how will we implement that order? There must be specific instances,” the Court observed.
The Bench further asked whether the grievance concerned the performance of Azaan itself or only the removal of loudspeakers.
State Seeks Time
Advocate General Surajit Nath Mitra disputed the allegations and submitted that the petition did not identify specific police officers, mosques or instances where loudspeakers had allegedly been removed.
The Court, however, sought a clear response from the State on whether police officials had actually taken such action.
“Are you saying it is absolutely false?” Justice Chakraborty asked.
The Advocate General said he would need instructions from the concerned authorities before responding.
Decision
The Calcutta High Court declined to grant an immediate interim order. It directed the State to obtain instructions on the allegations raised in the PIL and adjourned the matter for further hearing on August 18, 2026.
Case Details
Case Title: Md Danish Farooqui vs The State of West Bengal & Ors.
Case Number: WPA(P) 401 of 2026
Judges: Acting Chief Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty and Justice Atarup Banerjee
Decision Date: August 13, 2026
