'State accountable for any harm' Allahabad HC orders 24/7 protection for man after Namaz blocked

Allahabad: The Allahabad High Court has directed round-the-clock security for a Bareilly man, Haseen Khan, who was reportedly prevented from offering Namaz at his private residence. 

The division bench of Justice Atul Sreedharan and Justice Siddharth Nandan directed two armed guards to protect Haseen Khan round the clock, stressing that any incident of violence affecting him or his property will be considered as prima facie caused by the State.

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Khan had sought permission to perform Namaz in his private residence. While the State acknowledged in court that no legal permission is required under Article 25 of the Constitution, it is alleged that he was stopped by police during prayers, threatened with property demolition, and made to sign blank papers.

A contempt petition was filed against the State authorities following the incident. During proceedings, the Additional Advocate General admitted that permission was sought only from residents present inside the house, not as a legal requirement.

The High Court emphasised the need to uphold fundamental rights, granting police protection to Khan and ordering the guards to accompany him wherever he goes. The District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police, Bareilly, have been summoned for the next hearing on March 23 to provide updates.

The order highlights the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring the right to religious practice within private property, reinforcing that the State remains accountable for protecting citizens’ constitutional freedoms.