The Bihar minister went further to add that, as a public representative, he has been receiving complaints over the use of loudspeakers during azaan in mosques. I am of the opinion that if such a ban is in place for the Hindu community, a similar ban should also be in place for the Muslims, he added.

Janak Ram said that as part of the Bihar government, he will respond to any questions raised in this regard in the state's legislative assembly.

Only recently, an activist of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) was detained in Mumbai for putting up a loudspeaker to play Hanuman Chalisa to "counter" the voice of azaan from loudspeakers in mosques.

In Karnataka, the state police have been issuing notices to mosques asking them to use loudspeakers within the permissible decibel levels.

(With inputs from agencies)