Sounds from Mics to be limited to premises: Yogi govt’s new guidelines on loudspeakers & processions

New Delhi: Amid the raging debate on loudspeakers at religious places, Uttar Pradesh government has released set of guidelines for warding off any squabble or skirmishes during religious processions and also to not the loudspeaker row snowball into a bigger issue. The directives have been issued in wake of upcoming festivals including Eid and Akshay Tritiya.

Among the most underlined guideline is the ‘toning down’ of loudspeakers at religious places.

According to the directive, the microphones can be used at the religious programmes but its sound should be limited to the premises only and not be heard outside the compound as they cause inconvenience to others.

The Chief Minster also directed the officials to ensure that religious programmed are organised in advance and at designated places.

“Any religious procession must not be taken out without prior permission of authorities,” the Chief Minister told the officials.

Any religious procession in the state will have to submit affidavit for taking permission from the authorities. Also, only traditional processions are likely to get state govt’s nod while new events will be discouraged.

Leave of all officials cancelled till May 4

The UP CM has also cancelled the leave of all police and administrative officials till May 4 to keep the law & order under control.

“The leave of all administrative/police officers, from SHO, CO and district police chiefs to district magistrate, divisional commissioner is cancelled till May 4 with immediate effect. Those who are currently on leave, must return to the place of posting within the next 24 hours,” a govt release said.

The Chief Minister has also told police officials of ADG rank to hold dialogue with religious leaders & personalities to ensure peaceful observation of upcoming festivals.