Sonu Nigam controversy:HC says azaan, not loudspeakers integral to Islam
The Punjab and Haryana High Court said despite of Azaan being an integral part of Islam, it need not necessarily be played on loudspeakers. The court was hearing a plea filed against singer Sonu Nigam over tweets that he posted last month; the tweets were critical of azaan being played on loudspeakers. Sonu Nigam's tweets placed him in the middle of a major controversy.
Sonu Nigam creates controversy after protesting 'azaan'
Singer Sonu Nigam created a controversy when he took to Twitter to complain about being woken up due to a nearby mosque's azaan. "God bless everyone. I'm not a Muslim and I have to be woken up by the Azaan in the morning. When will this forced religiousness end in India," he tweeted.
"Gundagardi hai bas", says Nigam
Terming the backlash directed at him "gundagardi", Nigam defended his remarks: "By the way Mohammed did not have electricity when he made Islam.. Why do I have to have this cacophony after Edison?" He also pointed out he doesn't believe in even temples or gurudwaras "using electricity to wake up people who don't follow the religion".
Sonu Nigam shaves head over Rs. 10 lakh fatwa
In response to a fatwa issued by a Kolkata-based cleric who offered Rs. 10 lakh to anyone who shaves Sonu Nigam's head, the singer shaved his own head on live television, to claim the reward. Nigam had reacted to the clerics fatwa calling it "religious gundagardi." He clarified that his comments about the azaan were socially motivated and not religious.
Complaint against Sonu Nigam over tweet
A religious leader from Aurangabad has filed a complaint with the local police over Sonu Nigam's tweet about the use of loud speakers during prayers. Amitesh Kumar, Commissioner of Police, Aurangabad said "We have received a written complaint against the singer. However, no offence has been registered so far." Police said they are looking into the complaint before deciding upon a course of action.
