The Allahabad High Court has directed the District Magistrate (DM) and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Bareilly to appear in person on March 25. The order follows a petition alleging that authorities prevented a citizen from offering namaz within the privacy of his own home, a claim the state government has since denied.
A bench comprising Justice Saral Srivastava and Justice Garima Prashad issued the summons while hearing a petition filed by Tariq Khan. Khan alleged that on February 16, local authorities interfered with and stopped him from performing religious prayers inside his residence.
The case centers on the fundamental right to practice religion within a private space. During the hearing on Monday, the state’s legal team, led by Additional Advocate General Anup Trivedi, strongly contested the petitioner’s version of events.
Trivedi submitted to the court that there was no interruption by the administration, asserting that approximately 50 individuals have been regularly performing namaz at the site without hindrance.
The court’s decision to summon the top district officials stems from an earlier development on February 12, where the bench had granted the state time to file its formal response. Furthermore, the court has issued a contempt notice to the DM and SSP for allegedly “flouting” a previous judicial order dated January 27, 2026.
That specific order was passed in the case of Maranatha Full Gospel Ministries vs. State of U.P. and 2 others, which established guidelines regarding the state’s interference in religious practices.
The summons indicates the court’s serious view on allegations of administrative overreach. By requiring the physical presence of the DM and SSP, the High Court seeks to clarify whether the local administration bypassed established legal precedents regarding religious activities in private properties.
The matter is now slated for a high-profile hearing on March 25, where the officials must explain the administration’s actions and address the contempt charges.
