Allahabad High Court Upholds Religious Freedom, Says No Permission Needed for Prayer Meetings on Private Property
By Rajesh Pandey
In a significant ruling reinforcing the constitutional right to religious freedom, the Allahabad High Court has declared that individuals and religious organizations do not require prior permission from authorities to conduct prayer meetings within their private premises in Uttar Pradesh.
However, the court also made it clear that if such gatherings extend beyond private property and spill over onto public roads or government land, the organizers must inform the police and obtain any necessary approvals as required under law.
The judgment came while hearing two similar petitions filed by Maranatha Full Gospel Ministries and Emmanuel Grace Charitable Trust — both Christian institutions seeking the right to hold religious congregations within their privately owned premises.
Court Emphasises Equality and Fundamental Rights
A division bench comprising Justice Atul Sreedharan and Justice Siddharth Nandan dismissed the writ petitions after noting the Uttar Pradesh government’s clear submission that there is no legal requirement for permission to conduct religious prayers on private property.
The bench observed that instructions from the state government explicitly state there is no prohibition on such religious gatherings and that the law guarantees equal protection to all citizens regardless of religion.
“There is no prohibition on the petitioner to conduct a religious prayer meeting within his private premises.
Equal protection of law is accorded by the instrumentalities of the State to all citizens without discrimination based on religion or any other consideration,” the court noted.
Rooted in Article 25 of the Constitution
The High Court underscored that holding prayer meetings is an integral part of the fundamental right guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution of India, which ensures freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion.
Accordingly, the court ruled that no permission is required to exercise this right, as long as the activity remains confined within private property.
Conditions for Public Spaces
While affirming religious liberty, the bench also laid down a practical safeguard.
If circumstances arise where gatherings exceed the private premises and use public spaces, organizers must:
- Inform the local police authorities
- Obtain any permissions mandated by law
The court further added that it is the state’s responsibility to ensure the safety, life, and property of those conducting lawful religious activities.
“It is a concomitant duty on the State to ensure that the rights and safety of the petitioners are protected at all costs. The manner in which such protection is provided is within the discretion of the police,” the judgment clarified.
Petitions Disposed Wof ith Clear Directions
The Christian organizations had approached the court after authorities failed to respond to their representations seeking permission to hold prayer meetings.
Taking note of this, the High Court disposed of the petitions, firmly stating that permission was never required in the first place for activities conducted within private premises.
The ruling, dated January 27, is being seen as a strong reaffirmation of constitutional freedoms and a reminder to authorities not to impose unnecessary administrative barriers on lawful religious practices.
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