The Allahabad High Court directed authorities to deploy two security guards for Haseen Khan after he alleged he was stopped from offering namaz on his private property in Mohammad Ganj and claimed police forced his thumb impression on an undisclosed document.
PRAYAGRAJ: The Allahabad High Court ordered the deployment of two security guards to protect Haseen Khan, who alleged that he and others were prevented from performing namaz at his private property in Mohammad Ganj village.
The Division Bench, comprising Justice Atul Sreedharan and Justice Siddharth Nandan, took note of Khan’s claims that police coerced him into giving his thumb impression on a document without disclosing its contents. Khan further asserted that he was warned by certain individuals that his property would be demolished if he did not testify in court as instructed.
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In response, the Court mandated protective measures for Khan, stating,
“Hassen Khan has appeared before this Court and stated that his family and property may be protected. This Court directs that two armed guards 24/7 shall protect Haseen Khan till this Court decides otherwise. The said guards shall accompany him wherever he goes.”
The Court also emphasized that any future incidents of violence against Khan or his property would be presumed to originate from state actions, though this is subject to rebuttal.
The case is scheduled for final orders on March 23.
Earlier, on January 27, the High Court ruled in a separate case involving Maranatha Full Gospel Ministries that no state permission is required for religious prayer meetings held on private property in Uttar Pradesh. Despite this ruling, authorities in Bareilly recently took action against a group of Muslims praying on the rooftop of a private home.
Residents requested permission to conduct prayers indoors, particularly during Ramadan, but the authorities allegedly did not act on their request. Local resident Tarik Khan subsequently approached the court, claiming that there was non-compliance with the January 27 ruling.
Initially, the Court issued a notice under the Contempt of Courts Act to the Bareilly District Magistrate (DM) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). On March 11, the Court directed DM Avinash Singh and SSP Anurag Arya to appear in person for the next hearing.
The Court stated,
“Both the contemnors shall remain present in person before this Court on the next date of hearing failing which this Court shall secure the presence through non-bailable warrant,”
The next hearing is set for March 23. Advocate Rajesh Kumar Gautam represented the petitioner.
The January ruling clarified that no permission is needed for acts that fall within the fundamental rights protected under Article 25 of the Constitution of India, provided that such religious prayer meetings occur solely within private premises. This judgment was delivered while addressing petitions from both Maranatha Full Gospel Ministries and Emmanuel Grace Charitable Trust.
Case Title: Tarik Khan v State of UP & 2 Others.
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