The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday ordered that two security guards be deployed in protection of Haseen Khan, who earlier said that he and others were stopped from offering Namaz at his private property in Mohammad Ganj village, the Bar and Bench reported.
The division bench led by Justice Atul Sreedharan and Justice Siddharath Nanda also noted Khan’s statement where he alleged that the police had forced him to put his thumb impression on a paper without him knowing the content.
He further alleged that some people said to him that his property would be demolished if he failed to speak before the court as per their instructions, the bar and bench reported.
“Hassen Khan has appeared before this Court and stated that his family and property may be protected. This Court directs that two armed guards 24/7 shall protect Haseen Khan till this Court decides otherwise. The said guards shall accompany him wherever he goes,” the Bench said.
Earlier this year in January, the Allahabad High Court ruled an important order on the right to offer prayers inside the private property. Noting the Uttar Pradesh government, the court noted there is no law requiring people to take permission to pray inside their own premises.
The court held that no permission is required under the law to perform an act that falls within the fundamental right to freedom of religion guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution of India. However, the court clarified that this applies only if the religious prayer meeting is conducted strictly within the private premises of the property.
The judgement was passed on January 27 while dealing with two similar petitions moved by Maranatha.
The judgment was delivered on January 27 while hearing two similar petitions filed by Maranatha Full Gospel Ministries and Emmanuel Grace Charitable Trust.
