Court upholds right to conduct religious prayers on private property
The Allahabad High Court has directed authorities in Budaun not to interfere with prayers being conducted inside a mosque located on private property. The order was issued in response to a petition filed by a local resident seeking protection for peaceful religious practices.
A division bench of the court ruled that there is no legal restriction preventing individuals from holding religious prayer meetings on privately owned premises.
Court Order Issued by Division Bench
The directive was issued on February 25 by a division bench comprising Justice Shekhar B Saraf and Justice Vivek Saran.
The bench reviewed a previous judgment delivered by another coordinate bench and agreed with its interpretation that Indian law does not prohibit religious gatherings or prayers within private property.
In its order, the court stated that authorities must not interfere with prayers being conducted within the petitioner’s premises.
Petition Filed by Local Resident
The case was brought before the court by Ali Sher, a resident of Budaun. He alleged that local authorities were interfering with the peaceful offering of namaz in a mosque situated on part of his property.
Sher requested the court to issue directions ensuring that he, his family members, and other members of the Muslim community could continue offering prayers without obstruction.
Previous Judgment Referenced by the Court
During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel cited a ruling delivered on January 27 in the case of Maranatha Full Gospel Ministries vs State of Uttar Pradesh and others.
In that case, the court had clarified that religious prayer meetings held within private premises are not prohibited under the law.
After reviewing the earlier judgment, the bench affirmed the same legal position and extended protection to the petitioner.
Why the Court Issued the Direction
The court’s order aims to ensure peaceful religious practice while upholding legal rights related to private property.
By reiterating the legal principle established in earlier judgments, the High Court emphasized that authorities must respect the right of individuals to conduct religious prayers within privately owned spaces, provided there is no violation of law or public order.
