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On Monday, the Allahabad High Court emphasized that the state must guarantee safety for individuals facing threats while gathering for prayers in private properties across Uttar Pradesh.

A panel comprising Justices Atul Sreedharan and Siddharth Nandan highlighted that Article 25 of the Constitution, which safeguards the fundamental right to religious freedom, supports the right of all religious groups to assemble for worship.

However, the court clarified that this provision does not protect actions that incite one faith against another under the guise of prayer.

The judges stated that there should be no restrictions on conducting prayers or religious ceremonies within private premises, regardless of the individual's faith.

This ruling arose from a case concerning the Uttar Pradesh administration's decision to limit the number of individuals allowed to offer namaz during the holy month of Ramzan at a mosque in Sambhal district.

A petitioner claimed he was barred from praying at a site he asserted was a mosque.

On February 27, the court dismissed the administration's attempt to impose limits on worshippers at the location, suggesting that officials should resign or request transfers if they cannot uphold the rule of law.

In its recent ruling, the bench stated that any objections raised against prayers in private spaces should be acknowledged by the state, which may need to provide protection for the worshippers and the place of worship.

The court also clarified that its interpretation of Article 25 does not grant any special privileges to followers of Islam in India.

It reiterated that Article 25 guarantees every religion in India an equal right to practice and propagate their beliefs without conditions, subject only to public order, morality, and health considerations.

Moreover, the law prohibits actions or speech that could disrupt public order by inciting conflict between different religious groups, which would fall outside the protections of Article 25 and could lead to criminal charges.

The court noted that gathering for prayer is a fundamental aspect of Abrahamic faiths.

Article 25 is neutral regarding religion and belief, allowing even atheists to express their views based on logic, reason, and science.

The court instructed that its ruling be communicated to the Uttar Pradesh police chief and the additional chief secretary (home) for dissemination among state authorities.