Thiruvananthapuram: Former Supreme Court judge Justice Rohinton Nariman has called for a nationwide ban on the use of loudspeakers and bell ringing for religious purposes, citing their impact on public health and peaceful living. Delivering the KM Bashir Memorial Lecture, he stressed that such practices must be curbed equally across all faiths to avoid favoritism.
“Every faith seems to get louder in its protestations and is making the Lord deaf,” he said. He added that noise from microphones and temple bells creates pollution that directly affects health, particularly by disturbing sleep. Nariman urged states to act swiftly and enforce a complete ban, allowing loudspeakers only in enclosed spaces like auditoriums where they do not disturb the public.
Placing the issue in constitutional context, he reminded that the Preamble begins with “We the people of India,” which includes all citizens equally. He said secularism rests on three principles: no state religion, no state discrimination on religious grounds, and equal rights for all to practice their faith. He cited Article 25 while highlighting that freedom of religion is subject to limits of public order, morality, health, and social reform.
Nariman underlined fraternity as the core constitutional value that protects both dignity and unity. He warned against distortions in history education that weaken harmony and called on citizens to respect all faiths. Pointing to the national flag, he explained that the white band symbolizes peace among communities, and the Ashoka Chakra represents dharma as the path to harmony.
