Allahabad High Court Rejects Limit on Mosque Prayers in Sambhal

Allahabad High Court Rejects Limit on Mosque Prayers in Sambhal
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The Allahabad High Court has rejected a decision by authorities in Uttar Pradesh to restrict the number of worshippers allowed to pray at a mosque in Sambhal, ruling that concerns over law and order cannot be used to limit religious practices inside a place of worship.

The ruling came, according to Maktoob Media, while hearing a petition filed by Munazir Khan, who said he had been prevented from conducting prayers during Ramadan at a site where he claimed a mosque exists. Local authorities had previously allowed only 20 worshippers to offer prayers, citing potential law-and-order issues.

A division bench comprising Justices Siddharth Nandan and Atul Sreedharan said it was the responsibility of the state to maintain order while ensuring citizens can practise their religion freely.

The court rejected the state’s justification for limiting attendance, stating that if officials believed they could not maintain law and order, they should consider stepping aside from their posts.

At the same time, the court noted that the petitioner had not yet submitted evidence confirming the existence or exact location of the mosque. It allowed him to file additional documents, including photographs and land records, to support his claim.