On 2nd April 2022, while addressing MNS workers on Gudi Padwa, party chief Raj Thackeray had said that if loudspeakers outside mosques are not brought down, he will put up double loudspeakers and play Hanuman Chalisa. In his fierce style, he questioned why this activity on loudspeakers(Azaan prayers) is allowed.” If this is not stopped, there will be speakers outside mosques playing Hanuman Chalisa at higher volume,” he said.
On Sunday, April 3, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena(MNS) played ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ at high decibels from loudspeakers that are installed at its office in the Ghatkopar area of Mumbai. The Mumbai Police arrested MNS worker Mahendra Bhanushali for following Thackeray by playing Hanuman Chalisa outside the MNS office. A police station official said he was detained after he installed loudspeakers on a tree and started playing Hanuman Chalisa in the Himalaya society of Asalfa, in Chandivali.
MNS office is in the mosque or what. When they warned to play hanuman chalisa outside mosque then why outside their office???
— Anand Sharma (@AnandSh39616926) April 4, 2022
A police team arrived on the spot, seized the equipment, and detained him. He was charged under CrPC section 149 which says ‘Police to prevent cognizable offenses’. He was also charged with a fine of 5,500 rupees.
Contrary to the police’s claim that their action was meant to stop a legal offense, Bhanusahli condemned the police’s actions and said that he was harassed by the authorities and prevented from performing ‘aarti’
Mumbai Police arrest MNS leader for playing 'Hanuman Chalisa' on loudspeakers https://t.co/RMyyQeStYa
— OpIndia.com (@OpIndia_com) April 3, 2022
The MNS leader added that if the Maharashtra govt didn’t act on this issue, they would not only play Hanuman Chalisa on loudspeakers but also in front of masjids with a higher volume.
Raj Thackeray had remarked, “I don’t oppose one’s right to pray but the loudspeakers on the mosques must be removed. Requesting the government to do so, he added, “Which religion mentions loudspeaker? Was there any loudspeaker when your religion was invented?” he further emphasized.
References: Times of India, Op India
