UP mosque cleric booked for using loudspeaker

Indian police have registered a case against a cleric in the BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh state for allegedly using a loudspeaker in a mosque without permission during afternoon prayers.

The cleric, identified as Maulvi Ashfaq of the Kazitola mosque in the Mallawan area of Jahanabad, has been accused of causing disruption. Authorities alleged that the volume of the loudspeaker interfered with ongoing board examinations and disturbed nearby residents, including those with health issues.

An FIR has been filed under sections related to disobedience of public orders and public nuisance.

In a related crackdown, three others have also been booked for installing loudspeakers at religious sites without permission, as part of an increasing effort to enforce so-called noise pollution regulations.