The Allahabad High Court prayer ruling has clarified that no permission is required from the State to conduct religious prayer meetings within one’s own private premises. In Maranatha Full Gospel Ministries v. State of U.P. & Ors., the Court held that such activity is protected under Article 25 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees freedom of religion.
📜 Allahabad High Court Prayer Ruling: Case Background
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Case Title | GDA vs State of Maharashtra (Writ Petition 14840 of 2022) |
| Court | Allahabad High Court |
| Judges | Justice Atul Sreedharan & Justice Siddharth Nandan |
| Issue | Whether permission is required to hold prayer meetings on private property |
| Ruling | No permission required; protected under Article 25 |
The petitioner, a woman belonging to the Special Backward Category, had legally adopted a boy in 2014. His caste certificate was cancelled in 2018 after a complaint alleging fraud. She argued that since the adoption was valid and the biological parents were unknown, the child’s caste should follow hers.
🧑⚖️ Bombay High Court’s Observations
Religious prayer meetings within private premises do not require State permission.
Equal protection of the law must be accorded to all citizens without discrimination.
Article 25 protects the petitioner’s right to conduct prayer meetings in private property.
If prayer meetings spill onto public roads or onto private property, police intervention and requisite permissions may be required.
The State has a duty to protect the petitioner’s property, rights, and life, though the manner of protection is at the discretion of the police.
💬 Vakilify Insight
This ruling underscores the balance between religious freedom and public order. By affirming that private prayer meetings are protected under Article 25, the Court ensured that fundamental rights are not curtailed by unnecessary administrative hurdles. At the same time, it mandated safeguards if religious activities extend into public spaces.
🔗 Related Reading and Links
- 👉 Explainer: Article 25 of the Constitution of India
- 👉 Vakilify Blog: Maintenance Denied to Wife – CrPC Section 125
