Court affirms no state permission required for prayer meetings within private premises under Article 25.
In a landmark judgment, the Allahabad High Court has upheld the right to conduct religious prayer meetings on private premises without the need for state permission, reinforcing the fundamental rights enshrined in Article 25 of the Indian Constitution. The case, Maranatha Full Gospel Ministries v. State of U.P., was presided over by Justices Atul Sreedharan and Siddharth Nandan.
The petitioner, Maranatha Full Gospel Ministries, sought to hold religious congregations on its private property but faced inaction from state authorities despite multiple requests for permission. The High Court clarified that such gatherings are a fundamental right and do not require prior approval from the state, provided they remain within the confines of private property.
The judgment emphasized that while the state must ensure the protection of citizens' rights and property, the means of providing such protection are left to the discretion of state authorities. However, the Court mandated that if religious activities extend onto public property, appropriate permissions must be obtained to ensure compliance with the law.
This ruling underscores the equal protection of law guaranteed to all citizens, irrespective of religious affiliations, and reinforces the autonomy of individuals to practice their faith privately.
Bottom Line:
Fundamental Right - Right to conduct religious prayer meetings within private premises is protected under Article 25 of the Constitution of India, and does not require prior permission from the State, provided it does not spill over to public property.
Statutory provision(s): Article 25 of the Constitution of India
Maranatha Full Gospel Ministries v. State Of U.P., (Allahabad)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2847433
