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Allahabad High Court dismisses bid to offer namaz on Sambhal village land
The Allahabad High Court dismissed a petition seeking security and permission to offer namaz on a piece of land in Sambhal district, holding that the right to practice religion is subject to public order and cannot infringe on others' rights. The bench stated public land is for common use and that new or expanded religious practices should not disturb social balance or public life, especially when such use could be seen as exclusive.
Why It Matters
The ruling underscores the balance between religious freedom and public order, reinforcing that public spaces may not be used for exclusive or recurring religious activities that disrupt daily life or equal access.
Timeline
1 Event
Allahabad High Court dismisses petition seeking permission to offer namaz on village land in Sambhal
May 2, 2026
A bench of Justices Saral Srivastava and Garima Prasad dismissed the petition filed by Aseen of Sambhal, who claimed ownership of the land via a gift deed and sought security and permission to offer namaz. The court held that the right to practise religion is subject to public order and cannot be exercised in a manner that interferes with others' rights, and that public land is for common use with no individual or group entitled to exclusive or recurring religious space. It noted that namaz has traditionally been offered at this location only on Eid, and that the petitioner sought to introduce regular large-scale congregational prayers, which is not protected if it disturbs social balance or public life. The state had argued the land is Abadi land meant for public use and that established practices should be adhered to in order to maintain public order.