Allahabad High Court Orders Round-the-Clock Security for Bareilly Man Claiming Threat of House Demolition Over Namaz
Taking serious cognisance of allegations made before it regarding threats to demolish a residential property for offering Namaz within private premises, the Allahabad High Court has directed that two armed security personnel be deployed to protect a resident of Bareilly district.
The order was passed in favour of Haseen Khan, who informed the court that he and several others had been prevented from offering Namaz at his privately owned property located in Mohammad Ganj village in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh.
Court Records Statement Alleging Intimidation
The direction came from a division bench comprising Justice Atul Sreedharan and Justice Siddharth Nandan, after the court formally recorded a statement made by Haseen Khan during the hearing.
In his statement, Khan alleged that police officials had compelled him to place his thumb impression on a document without informing him about its contents.
He further told the court that certain individuals had allegedly warned him that his house would be demolished if he did not make a statement in court in accordance with their directions.
Court Orders Security Protection
After considering these submissions, the bench included the statement in its order dated March 11 and issued explicit directions for Khan’s protection.
The court ordered that two armed guards must be deployed around the clock to ensure the safety of Haseen Khan until further orders are issued. The judges also directed that the security personnel should accompany him wherever he travels.
The order further observed that if any harm were to occur to Khan or his property, such an incident would be treated, at least prima facie, as having taken place at the instance of the state authorities.
The court, however, clarified that this presumption could be rebutted if contrary evidence emerges.
Petition to Be Heard on March 23
The matter arises from a writ petition filed by Tarik Khan, seeking judicial intervention over alleged obstruction in offering prayers on private property. The High Court has scheduled the case for further hearing and final orders on March 23.
Earlier Court Ruling on Prayer in Private Premises
The issue also draws attention to an earlier judgment delivered by the Allahabad High Court in January 2026 while hearing petitions filed by Maranatha Full Gospel Ministries and Emmanuel Grace Charitable Trust.
In that ruling, the court held that individuals do not require permission from the state authorities to conduct a religious prayer gathering within their private property in Uttar Pradesh.
The judgment took into account the state government’s submission that there was no legal provision mandating prior permission for such activities.
The court concluded that the act of offering prayers forms part of the fundamental right to freedom of religion guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution of India.
At the same time, the bench clarified that such prayer meetings must strictly take place within private premises and should not extend into public spaces.
Allegations of Non-Compliance
Despite the January ruling, authorities in Bareilly reportedly took action against a group of Muslims who were offering prayers on the rooftop of a private residence.
Following this action, residents submitted a representation seeking official permission to continue prayers within the premises, particularly during the ongoing holy month of Ramadan.
However, according to the petitioners, the authorities did not act upon the request. Consequently, Tarik Khan approached the High Court alleging that the administration had failed to comply with the court’s earlier judgment delivered on January 27.
Notice Issued to Bareilly Officials
At the initial stage of the proceedings, the High Court issued a notice under the Contempt of Courts Act to the District Magistrate and the Senior Superintendent of Police of Bareilly for alleged non-compliance with its previous order.
In its latest order dated March 11, the court has also directed Avinash Singh and Anurag Arya to personally appear before the bench on the next date of hearing, which is scheduled for March 23.
The court further warned that if the officials fail to appear, their presence may be secured through the issuance of non-bailable warrants.
The proceedings underscore the judiciary’s scrutiny of administrative actions relating to the exercise of religious freedoms, particularly where they intersect with constitutional protections and earlier court rulings.
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