Following UP Govt’s order, Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura shuts loudspeakers

April 21: Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple complex in UP’s Mathura decided to switch off the loudspeakers after the state government issued directives on the use of sound systems at religious places. Amid incidents of violence during festivals in some states, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued directives that no religious procession should be allowed without permission and the use of loudspeakers should not cause inconvenience to others.

Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Trust and Shri Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sansthan secretary Kapil Sharma said that all ‘bhajans’ and ‘kirtans’ (prayers) will now be played at low levels so that the sound does not go beyond the complex. He further informed that the decision to switch the loudspeaker off was taken at a meeting of the office bearers of the Sansthan on Tuesday night. Kapil Sharma said the loudspeakers installed atop Bhagwat Bhawan, the tallest shrine building inside the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple complex, were switched off on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, 900 religious places in Gautam Buddha Nagar were served legal notices by the police for violating ban on use of loudspeakers. About 600 temples and 265 mosques were sent notices and asked to follow High Court’s directives on use of loudspeakers at their complexes. The notice was also sent to 217 procession houses, and 175 out of 182 DJ operators. “If any religious place, DJ operator does not follow the instructions given by the High Court regarding sound, then strict action will be taken against them,” read the notice.