Allahabad HC questions police action against Muslims for offering Namaz at home
Lucknow: In a significant development amid growing concerns over targeting of Muslims in India, The Allahabad High Court has strongly criticized senior police and administrative officials in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly district for taking action against individuals who offered Friday prayers inside a private home.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the court questioned the legality of the police intervention, observing that offering congregational namaz within one’s own home or private property does not require prior government permission. The bench cautioned authorities against exceeding constitutional limits.
The court issued contempt notices to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and District Magistrate (DM), directing them to explain their conduct. The next hearing in the case has been scheduled March 11.
The incident occurred on 16 January 2026 in Mohammadganj, Bareilly, where a group of individuals had gathered for Friday prayers in a residence. After a video of the gathering circulated on social media, the police registered an FIR alleging breach of peace, with some individuals briefly detained before release. The action sparked widespread criticism, with locals questioning how peaceful indoor prayers could disturb public order.
Petitioner Tariq Khan challenged the FIR and detentions in the High Court, arguing that the police violated fundamental rights by interfering in private religious practice. He maintained that no law bans collective prayers on private premises.
The court also recalled a prior ruling on Christian prayer meetings, which held that religious gatherings in private spaces are lawful without permission. Applying the same principle, the bench viewed the police action as disregard for established judicial directions and potentially amounting to contempt of court.
The case has ignited debate on religious freedom under the Indian Constitution and limits of police authority, particularly in situations where no public disturbance has occurred.
