Mumbai Police on Ganesh Chaturthi took to Twitter to voice its concerns about noise pollution and said, “Every time you increase the volume, someone’s prayer for a peaceful celebration is let down #SayNoToNoisePollution”
Every time you increase the volume, someone’s prayer for a peaceful celebration is let down #SayNoToNoisePollution pic.twitter.com/7NmWA0Y5A4
— Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) September 16, 2018
Mumbai police, that is today asking Hindus to keep the noise level down during Ganesh Chaturthi, had earlier avoided taking any action against unauthorised loudspeakers in mosques fearing law and order problems, despite an order from the Bombay High Court.
This move, that was viewed by many as a biased stand by the Mumbai police, took to Twitter to react to Mumbai police’s tweet. Many responded to the Mumbai police by saying that their stand was perhaps hypocritical since they have in the past not imposed the same standards on other communities despite a court order.
Peacefuls keep their loudspeakers so loud that I can hear them five times 365 days even on the 20th floor with no masjid in vicinity . Why have you’ll not acted on the High court order yet. Will be good if you’ll tell us how many loudspeakers you’ll have removed to date
— punita toraskar (@impuni) September 16, 2018
‘Secularism ‘ at its best ? Respected @MumbaiPolice Repeat after me – “ India is a Secular country “ ???? pic.twitter.com/hNFqMSUZdN
— Loose_Bull (@loosebool) September 16, 2018
That should apply on loudspeakers going bang on every second day of a “special” community too , ganpati only comes once a year .
— Rishi Raj Chaturvedi (@DopeEngineerR) September 16, 2018
@MumbaiPolice pls stop your hypocricy. Enough of Minority Appeasement. I think it’s become a fashion statement to bash Hindu Festivals and issue advisory on any pretext against celebrations. What happens to you when the ceremonies are of minority community? Hands Tied..!!! pic.twitter.com/9EbXtLysc7
— Kislay Jha (@KayJay2019) September 17, 2018
Mumbai Police’s Twitter handle has run into trouble with Netizens earlier too. Recently, Mumbai Police tweeted to Bollywood actor Uday Chopra that consumption, possession and transportation of marijuana are prohibited in India and could lead to harsh punishment if convicted for the same when the latter advocated for the legalisation of the drug.
Sir,as citizen of India,you are privileged to express your view on a public platform. Be mindful,as of now, consumption, possession and transportation of marijuana, invites harsh punishment as per provisions of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act,1985. Spread the Word https://t.co/YlT3kuCdA2
— Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) September 15, 2018
Soon, Mumbai Police was called out by Netizens for attempting to police through social media. Many also pointed out that Uday Chopra was merely expressing his views and that the police should ensure law and order in the city first.
With all due respects,MP,please do concentrate on first ensuring law&order among goonda rickshaw drivers misbehaving with ladies in Mumbai, rather than rebutting citizens expressing their fundamental right of freedom of thought on social media ..@udaychopra
— Geetanjali Singh (@paperhearts79) September 15, 2018
There is no reason @MumbaiPolice should act as vigilante. He just expressed his views with regards to benefits of Marijuana. And you folks are all acting hyper. Ban alcohol and cigarettes then first.
— DJ (@synapse_doc) September 15, 2018
First thing, expression of views is a right and not a privilege. So I’d request the Mumbai police to get acquainted with Indian law before trying to police thought on twitter. https://t.co/HklWiXWaVi
— ஆனந்த் கிருஷ்ணமூர்த்தி / Anand Krishnamoorthi (@mdeii) September 15, 2018
While Mumbai Police has to be commended for maintaining law and order during massive festival processions running brilliant social media campaigns, raising awareness and winning hearts by the quick response and making the best use of the platform, they sometimes do lose the plot.
