The Allahabad High Court has said congregational prayers held within private premises do not require prior government permission and issued a contempt notice to senior officials in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly district over police action against worshippers.
The court sought responses from the Bareilly District Magistrate and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) after a petition challenged a police case filed last month against individuals who offered Friday Namaz inside a private residence in Mohammadganj, Bareilly, on Jan. 16.
The police action came after the circulation of a video showing a group offering prayers at the house. A case was registered and some people were detained before being released.
Petitioner Tariq Khan told the court he had been prevented from offering congregational prayers at his home and alleged that police had unlawfully detained those participating. He argued that the action violated constitutional protections guaranteeing freedom of religion.
The High Court observed that religious gatherings conducted within one’s own premises are not illegal and do not require state permission. It referred to a previous order in a separate matter concerning Christian prayers, in which it had held that congregational religious rituals in private spaces do not require prior approval from authorities.
Issuing a contempt notice, the court said that registering a case and detaining worshippers despite earlier judicial directions could amount to interference with constitutional rights and non-compliance with its prior ruling. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on March 11, when the district officials are expected to present their responses.
The order comes amid heightened scrutiny of restrictions on religious gatherings in parts of Uttar Pradesh, including during the holy month of Ramadan, when some groups have objected to collective Taraweeh prayers held on private premises.