India, Sept. 23 -- The Delhi government on Monday allowed use of loudspeakers up to midnight until October 3, an increase of two hours from the regular cut-off time of 10pm, during the festive season, officials familiar with the matter said.

The move comes in response to long-standing demands from organising committees.

Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the decision was taken with the approval of chief minister Rekha Gupta. "This is a time-bound facilitation to ensure smooth conduct of festivals. Festivals unite Delhi and this facilitation respects people's faith," said the minister, adding that the Delhi government was providing all required services to organisers through a single-window system.

A formal order to t...