Madhya Pradesh IAS Officer’s Comments on Temple Loudspeakers Ignite Controversy

A social media post by senior IAS officer Shailbala Martin questioning the noise pollution caused by temple loudspeakers has stirred controversy in Madhya Pradesh, prompting calls for protests from religious groups.

The debate was sparked after a tragic incident last week when a 13-year-old boy collapsed and died during a Durga idol immersion in Bhopal, where loud DJ music was being played. In the aftermath, the Madhya Pradesh Police launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death, further fueling discussions about noise pollution.

A journalist on X (formerly Twitter) highlighted the perceived disparity in enforcement regarding public address systems, specifically contrasting the situation in mosques with the use of DJs outside these spaces. In response, Martin emphasized that the noise from temple loudspeakers—often audible several streets away and continuing late into the night—seemed to go unaddressed.

Chandrashekhar Tiwari, head of the right-wing group ‘Sanskriti Bachao Manch,’ condemned Martin’s remarks and announced plans for a protest against her. Conversely, Congress spokesperson Abbas Hafeez supported Martin’s questions, asserting that they highlighted the BJP government’s inconsistent approach to noise regulation.

Shailbala Martin, a 2009-batch officer, has a history of raising such concerns. Currently serving as Additional Secretary in the General Administration Department, she has previously held various positions, including in the Health Department and as Municipal Commissioner of Burhanpur. Since January 2022, she has focused on her role in the GAD.

Notably, last year, the Madhya Pradesh government introduced guidelines aimed at reducing noise pollution, specifically targeting the use of public address systems in religious venues.