Ashik v. Bandula And Others (Noise Pollution Case) – sllr 2007 volume 1 page 191

In the case between Ashik (and trustees of the Kapuwatte Mohideen Jumma Mosque of Weligama) and Bandula (including the 2nd respondent, ASP, among others), the court addressed the issue of alleged fundamental rights violations due to restrictions and non-issuance of loudspeaker permits for mosque activities under the Police Ordinance. It was determined that religious practices cannot justify the creation of a public nuisance or excess noise, and that existing regulatory measures under the National Environment Act and the Constitution’s equal protection clause (Article 12(1)) required strengthening. The decision reaffirmed the principle that regulation of noise, including religious noise, is essential to public health and equal treatment under the law. This outcome relied on local statutes,