New Delhi: The Allahabad High Court has questioned the action of Bareilly authorities after police registered an FIR against men who offered Friday prayers inside a private house in Mohammadganj on 16 January 2026.
The court issued a contempt notice to the Senior Superintendent of Police and the District Magistrate of Bareilly. It asked them to explain why action was taken despite earlier judicial guidance on similar matters.
The bench observed that offering congregational namaz inside one’s own house or private property does not require prior state permission. The judges asked why anyone should seek approval from the government to pray on personal land.
The case began after a video of the prayers circulated on social media. Police registered a case alleging breach of peace and briefly detained some of those present. Tariq Khan challenged the FIR before the high court. He argued that the police violated constitutional rights and acted without legal basis. His petition stated that no law bars collective prayers inside private premises.
The court recalled an earlier ruling related to Christian prayer meetings, where it held that religious gatherings within private property are lawful if they do not disturb public order. It said the same principle applies to Friday prayers.
The next hearing is set for 11 March. Senior officials must submit their response.
Community members say the order offers clarity ahead of Ramadan, when many families host Taraweeh prayers at home. Legal observers state that the ruling reinforces constitutional protection for freedom of religion within private spaces.
