Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has said that foreign nationals will not be allowed to preach or participate in religious events in India, ahead of the International Meelad-un-Nabi Conference scheduled for September 5 at Palace Grounds. The Joint Milad Committee, which is organising the event, had invited Yemeni Sufi scholar Habeeb Umar Bin Hafeez along with India’s Grand Mufti Shaikh Abubacker Ahmed Musliyar.
The minister told reporters that police had informed the organisers about restrictions under Indian law. He stressed that foreign religious leaders cannot address gatherings or preach at such events. The Foreign Regional Registration Office will monitor the conference, and police will be deployed to ensure compliance.
Organisers expect thousands to attend the conference, which is one of the largest gatherings in Bengaluru to mark the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The restriction is likely to impact the participation of international scholars, who are often central to such conferences.
Community members have urged the government to review its stance, stressing that freedom of religion and cultural exchange should not be undermined. They argue that platforms like the Milad conference allow peaceful engagement and promote learning from diverse traditions.
The clarification has raised questions about consistency in government policies. Observers point out that while international musicians, actors, and sportspersons regularly perform, compete, and interact with audiences in India, foreign religious preachers are being restricted. Critics argue that selective application of the law creates an impression of discrimination against religious scholars.
