The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has refused to allow a mosque in Gondia district to use loudspeakers for prayers. The court said that using loudspeakers is not a religious right and no religion demands prayers through amplified voice or drums. Justices Anil Pansare and Raj Wakode took note of recurring noise pollution problems and asked the Maharashtra government to find effective solutions. In an order dated December 1, the court dismissed a petition by Masjid Gousiya. The mosque could not prove that loudspeaker use is essential to practice their religion. "The petitioner, therefore, is not entitled to seek relief for the installation of a loudspeaker, as of right. The petition is accordingly dismissed," the court said. The bench quoted Supreme Court rulings stressing that prayers must not disturb public peace, and amplified sound or drum beating is not prescribed by any religion. The apex court also highlighted the need for citizens—especially children, old, sick, and mentally disturbed—to enjoy quiet surroundings. The judges warned that noise pollution harms public health severely. "Noise pollution is a serious threat to public health and welfare. It causes 'fight or flight' syndrome, releasing cortisol and other harmful chemicals," the court noted. This can lead to heart disease, chronic fatigue, headaches, high blood pressure, mental illness, and anxiety. Exposure to noise over 120 decibels can even rupture eardrums. The court also pointed out that celebrations in event halls and religious places in Nagpur often violate noise rules by playing loud bhajans on loudspeakers. It urged venues and religious places to follow rules strictly. The Bench hoped the state government would act sensitively and provide effective solutions to this ongoing health issue.