Court Directs Uttar Pradesh State to Ensure Protection of Religious Practices Under Article 25
In a landmark decision, the Allahabad High Court has reinforced the rights enshrined under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, emphasizing the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate religion. The division bench comprising Justices Atul Sreedharan and Siddharth Nandan delivered the judgment on March 16, 2026, in the case of Munazir Khan v. State of U.P., reiterating that congregations for prayers in private premises are protected rights, subject to public order, morality, and health.
The petitioner, Munazir Khan, challenged restrictions on the number of worshipers allowed to congregate for prayers on private property during the holy month of Ramzan. The Court rejected the State's argument that permitting only a limited number of worshipers was necessary for maintaining public order. The Court clarified that there should be no constraint on the number of worshipers, as such restrictions were not justified under the guise of public order concerns.
The judgment underscored the State's responsibility to safeguard religious practices against interruptions or objections. It directed the Uttar Pradesh State to circulate the order to law enforcement authorities to prevent any disruptions to private worship spaces irrespective of the religious denomination involved.
The Court cited the precedent set in Maranatha Full Gospel Ministries v. State of U.P., affirming that private religious practices must not face impediments. It recognized the diverse religious practices across different faiths, noting that while Abrahamic faiths have designated days for congregational prayer, eastern religions like Hinduism and Buddhism do not. Nonetheless, Article 25 ensures equal protection for all faiths to practice and propagate their beliefs without discrimination.
The judgment also emphasized that Article 25 is religion and faith-neutral, extending its protection to atheists as well. It highlighted that the freedom of conscience allows individuals to propagate atheistic beliefs based on logic, reason, and science.
In conclusion, the Court affirmed India's commitment to religious diversity and coexistence, facilitated by Article 25. The writ petition was disposed of with directions for the dissemination of the judgment to the highest levels of law enforcement in Uttar Pradesh to ensure compliance and protection of religious freedoms.
Bottom Line:
Article 25 of the Indian Constitution protects the right of every individual to profess, practice, and propagate their religion equally, subject to public order, morality, and health. Congregation for prayers in private premises cannot be restricted unless it threatens public order, and the State must ensure protection against objections or interruptions to worship.
Statutory provision(s): Article 25 of the Constitution of India
Munazir Khan v. State of U.P., (Allahabad)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2867837
