Officials of Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal district, Uttar Pradesh, have submitted a formal request to local authorities seeking permission to install a loudspeaker inside the mosque ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. The application states full adherence to government rules and prescribed sound limits.
Zafar Ali, head of the MasjidCommittee, submitted a written representation to the district magistrate and shared a copy with the district police chief. He explained that Ramadan draws a sharp rise in the number of worshippers. Many congregants stand in rear sections during prayers. A single loudspeaker would help ensure the imam’s voice reaches all attendees.
The request specifies use during daily congregational, Friday, and Jumu‘at al Widaprayers. The mosque has sought approval for only one loudspeaker and reiterated commitment to follow all official guidelines related to volume and usage.
The application comes amid heightened attention on the Shahi Jama Masjid since Nov. 2024. At that time, a legal petition alleged the site had earlier functioned as a Hindu temple. Proceedings led to large gatherings around the masjid, security concerns, and clashes in nearby areas. Reports from that period recorded multiple deaths.
In Feb. 2025, authorities removed loudspeakers from this mosque and others in the region. Masjidofficials said the present request seeks clarity and lawful permission ahead of Ramadan to avoid confusion.