The Allahabad High Court has held that azaan, or the Islamic call to ritual prayer, can be recited by a muezzin from minarets of the mosques by human voice only. There is no need to use any amplifying device or loudspeakers for azaan.
The court added that such recitation by human voice cannot be hindered under the excuse of violation of the guidelines issued by the state government to contain the spread of coronavirus.
It also said that the use of a loudspeaker for azaan should done with prior permission of district administration in accordance with the law.
“We are of the opinion that azaan may be an essential and integral part of Islam but its recitation through loud speakers or other sound amplifying devices cannot be said to be an integral part of the religion warranting protection of the fundamental right enshrined under Article 25, which is even otherwise subject to public order, morality or health and to other provisions in part III of the Constitution,” the bench ruled.
