In a notable assertion of religious rights within the penal system, the Allahabad High Court has directed the Superintendent of Etawah Central Jail to ensure that the religious practices of a high-security prisoner are not hindered, particularly during the holy month of Ramzan.
The order came after a plea by Ujma Abid, the wife of the convict, who is serving a life sentence for murder. She raised concerns that her husband was unable to perform his religious duties, including offering Namaz five times a day, and that his Quran had been confiscated.
Justices Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Nand Prabha Shukla presided over the case, issuing a directive on March 17 that the prisoner’s ability to offer prayers and retain his Quran should not be interfered with, provided that these practices do not disrupt the jail’s routine security protocols.
During the proceedings, the state government’s counsel assured the court that the jail authorities would address the grievance in accordance with existing laws. The court emphasized that while security measures are crucial for maintaining order and safety within the jail, they should not impede the prisoner’s religious observances.
