Kolkata, August 14: Amid ongoing debates regarding the use of loudspeakers in West Bengal‘s mosques, Imam Athur Kasmi of the Masjid-e-Kuba on Azad Road has emphasized the importance of adhering to legal regulations. He stated that the use of loudspeakers or microphones at religious sites should comply with existing laws, allowing the call to prayer (azan) to be made within the prescribed decibel limits.
Challenging the move to remove loudspeakers from mosques, Imam Kasmi expressed his faith in the legal system. He clarified that they are not seeking any actions contrary to the law but rather wish to follow the permissions granted. The law is clear, and everyone should operate within its framework. He noted that the regulations do not mandate the complete removal of microphones used for the azan but specify that sound levels must remain within the designated limits.
Imam Kasmi asserted that they advocate for compliance with Indian laws. If the law permits the azan within the specified decibel levels, mosques should adhere to these regulations. He reiterated their commitment to following the law and their involvement in the legal process for this purpose.
Regarding the absence of an interim order from the court, Imam Kasmi expressed no disappointment. He has complete faith in the judicial system and hopes for a fair decision in the upcoming hearings. All imams share this confidence in the law. He mentioned that the next hearing is scheduled for Tuesday and expressed optimism that the judicial system would not let them down. He believes that whatever decision is made will be just and in accordance with the law.
The state government has stated that the police have not taken any action to remove microphones from mosques. In response, Imam Kasmi revealed that he received a call regarding a meeting with police attended by several imams from the Risda area. Although he could not attend, he later gathered information from other imams about the discussions. He was informed that the meeting included requests to remove microphones from mosques. He claimed that one mosque in the area had already had its microphone removed.
He stated that police officials instructed mosque representatives to remove the microphones, warning that failure to comply could result in police action to remove them. Imam Kasmi noted that the police had informed mosque management that they lacked permission to use the microphones. He claimed that the police also indicated they would intervene if the mosque management did not act.
Imam Kasmi further explained that the meeting took place about a week to ten days ago, with many local residents and imams in attendance. During this meeting, the police explicitly mentioned the need to remove the microphones.
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