Court Criticizes Arbitrary Limitations on Worshiper Count, Emphasizes Duty of State to Ensure Rule of Law
In a significant judgment delivered on February 27, 2026, the Allahabad High Court emphasized the fundamental right to worship and criticized the State's attempt to limit the number of worshipers during the holy month of Ramzan. The Division Bench, comprising Justices Atul Sreedharan and Siddharth Nandan, heard the case of Munazir Khan v. State of U.P. and 4 others, wherein the petitioner, Munazir Khan, challenged the restriction imposed by state authorities allowing only twenty individuals to offer prayers at a disputed site in Sambhal.
The petitioner contended that the restriction was unjust and arbitrary, especially during Ramzan when the number of worshipers naturally increases. The court noted that the State cited perceived law and order issues as justification for the limitation. However, the court firmly rejected this reasoning, stating that it is the State's duty to ensure the rule of law and allow every community to worship peacefully in designated places.
The Bench highlighted that the State's responsibility is to facilitate religious practices, not hinder them without substantial justification. The court remarked that if local authorities, such as the Superintendent of Police and the Collector, feel incapable of maintaining law and order, they should consider resigning or transferring out of Sambhal.
The court further observed that the involvement of the State is only necessary when religious activities encroach upon public land, which was not the case here. The petitioner was instructed to provide additional evidence, including photographs and revenue records, to substantiate the claim of the mosque's existence at the site. The case has been listed for further hearing on March 16, 2026, as one of the top ten cases.
This judgment reinforces the judiciary's role in safeguarding constitutional rights and reminds state authorities of their duties in upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens' fundamental rights.
Bottom Line:
Right to worship - State authorities must ensure that every community is able to offer worship peacefully in designated places of worship. Limiting the number of worshipers due to perceived law and order issues is not justified without substantial reasons - State authorities must enforce rule of law rather than imposing arbitrary restrictions.
Statutory provision(s): Right to Worship, Rule of Law, Fundamental Rights
Munazir Khan v. State of U.P., (Allahabad)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2866085
