In a move that has triggered widespread concern and criticism, Hyderabad Police on Wednesday issued a notice to Masjid-e-Sultan Bagh, situated near Marriott Hotel Lane, instructing the mosque to refrain from using loudspeakers along the route of the upcoming Hanuman Shobha Yatra, reported the Maktoob media.
The notice, addressed to Mohd Rizwan Alam, stated: “You are hereby instructed to not to use any Sound system enroute of Hanuman Shobha Yatra 2025.” It further warned, “If any deviation [occurs], action will be initiated against the Masjid Committee, In-charge of Masjid.”
However, the notice allowed for normal use of sound systems after the conclusion of the Yatra: “After the completion of the procession, prayers may be continued in the sound system as usually.”
The directive has sparked reactions online, with many questioning its fairness and intent. Journalist Mubashir Khurram voiced concern on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “I don’t understand why the Hyderabad City police issued notices to mosques,” and urged the Commissioner of Police to provide a public clarification.
Another X user, Amer Ali, remarked, “In a secular state, why should one community be silenced during another’s celebration? This isn’t just a question of sound, it’s a question of principle.”
Echoing similar sentiments, user Sumaya Khan questioned, “Is this Hyderabad or Uttar Pradesh?”
The Hanuman Jayanti rally, scheduled for April 12, will see a deployment of over 17,000 police personnel. Following a coordination meeting with leaders of VHP and Bajrang Dal, Commissioner of Police C.V. Anand, IPS, stated that the organisers have been asked to monitor their participants and ensure responsible conduct during the procession.
