The Allahabad High Court has dismissed a petition seeking permission to offer namaz on a piece of land in a village of Sambhal district. The court ruled that the right to practice religion is subject to public order and cannot be exercised in a manner that interferes with the rights of others.
The court observed that the introduction or expansion of a religious use or practice not previously prevalent can disturb the existing social balance and is not protected under Articles 25 and 26.
The bench noted that public land is meant for common use and no individual or group can claim a right to use it as an exclusive or recurring religious space.
The court further said that the right to practice religion is not an unlimited right and must be exercised in a way that does not affect others or disrupt the normal functioning of public life.
The petition was dismissed as the court did not support the claim advanced by the petitioner.
