Azan through loudspeakers is not an integral part of Islam:Allahabad HC

Lucknow,May 15(HS)In a major judgement given on Friday, the Allahabad High Court said that  Azan or call to prayer through loudspeaker is not an integral part of Islam.

The court  has recognised the call as an important part of Islam, but not the call through loudspeakers.

This verdict was given on a  petition filed ,among others,by Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MP from Ghazipur Afzal Ansari against the ban on Azan.

The court had  reserved the verdict in this case after hearing on May 5 through video conferencing.

The Allahabad High Court said that Azan may be an integral part of Islam, but the use of loudspeakers can not  be a part of Islam .

In addition,the court said  the district administration cannot allow the use of loudspeakers under any circumstances from 10 pm to 6 am.A two-judge bench consisting of  justice Shashikant Gupta and justice Ajit Kumar said that Muezzin can call to prayer from the mosque in his own voice without any loudspeaker or other support.

The main petitioner had told the court  that the District Magistrate of Ghazipur has, by oral order, prohibited use of loudspeakers for Azan  which is a violation of the fundamental right of religious freedom.

He had also said that Azan is necessary to give information about the time of Namaz to the people. It also comes under the fundamental rights . The government cannot take away these rights.