Amid the raging controversy over the use of loudspeakers, Section 144 of the CrPC has been imposed in the Aurgangabad district of Maharashtra till May 9. The prohibitory orders have been enforced ahead of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray’s scheduled rally on May 1.
SECTION 144 IMPOSED
LOUDSPEAKER ROW
MNS chief Raj Thackeray is to hold a rally on May 1 in Aurangabad district to protest against the recital of azaan using loudspeakers atop mosques. He has also given an ultimatum to the Maha government, reiterating his demand for a ban on loudspeakers in Mosques, further asking the government to act before May 3.
“Why are loudspeakers in mosques played at such high volume? If this is not stopped, there will be speakers outside mosques playing Hanuman Chalisa at higher volume,” warned Thackeray at a rally in Mumbai’s Shivaji Park.
Following Thackeray’s address, many MNS supporters had started playing Hanuman Chalisa on loudspeakers in front of mosques, after which police action was initiated against them.
On the other hand, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut hit out at Raj Thackeray for his demands, saying his speech was “scripted and sponsored” by the BJP.
