Sonu Nigam row: HC backs singer's azaan tweet, says loudspeakers not mandatory in Islam

Rejecting a petition filed against Bollywood Singer Sonu Nigam for criticising sermons from the loudspeakers, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has said that Azaan is an integral part of Islamic worship and not loudspeakers.

According to Hindustan Times, the observation was made by a single-judge bench comprising justice MMS Bedi.

The petition was filed by Haryana's Sonepat resident Aas Mohammad seeking a criminal proceedings against Nigam saying, the tweets violated the Muslim community’s fundamental right to manage religious affairs.

However, referring to various judgement, the judge termed the petition as a 'cheap' attempt to gain publicity. “A fair interpretation of the words used by respondent no 4 (Nigam) clearly indicates that the word ‘gundagardi’ in tweet no 4 is not addressed in the context of Azaan but the use of loudspeakers and amplifiers,” said the court.

Justice Sampath also observed that the words used in the tweet were not meant to insult any religion or religious, and no religion prescribes blaring prayers through sound amplifiers.

Last month, Sonu Nigam found himself in the midst of controversy when he described the loud sermons from the loudspeakers as hooliganism in a series of tweets. 

After stirring up a controversy, the 43-year-old singer again took to Twitter where he asserted that there was no need to fuel it anymore. "Guys, in favour of me and in opposition, let's agree to agree and disagree. No need to fuel this anymore. Look ahead and move on. Prayers," wrote Nigam.

The actor had also posted a video of the loud call to prayer to prove his point.