The Allahabad High Court has directed a Muslim man not to hold large gatherings for offering Namaz at his private residence, while making it clear that individuals are free to pray at home as long as public order is not affected.
The order was passed on March 25 by a bench of Justice Saral Srivastava and Justice Garima Prashad in a case involving Haseen Khan from Bareilly district.
Undertaking against large gatherings
The case relates to a petition filed by Khan, who had earlier been granted 24/7 police protection after he was allegedly stopped from offering Namaz at his home.
During the hearing, the state government argued that the protection was being misused, claiming that 50 to 60 people were gathering daily at the residence to offer prayers. It warned that such gatherings could affect peace and tranquillity in the area.
Taking note of these submissions, the court recorded an undertaking from the petitioner that he would not allow large gatherings at his property.
“We hope and trust that the petitioner shall abide by the undertaking,” the court observed. It added that if large gatherings lead to a threat to public peace, authorities are free to act in accordance with the law.
Security withdrawn, contempt notice discharged
The bench also directed that the security earlier granted to the petitioner be withdrawn, after his counsel informed the court that it was no longer required.
In addition, the court discharged the contempt notice issued earlier against the Bareilly District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police.
The case had earlier been heard by another bench comprising Justice Atul Sreedharan and Justice Siddharth Nandan, which had granted security to the petitioner and issued notices to district officials.
Relief for petitioner, limits clarified
The High Court also ordered the withdrawal of a police challan issued in January 2026 against the petitioner and others.
With these directions, the court disposed of the petition, balancing the individual’s right to offer prayers at home with the need to maintain public order and communal harmony.
