Allahabad High Court Orders Security for Haseen Khan Amid Prayer Controversy

Allahabad High Court Orders Security for Haseen Khan Amid Prayer Controversy

The Allahabad High Court has ordered round-the-clock armed security for Haseen Khan following a controversial incident involving police interference during private prayers. The court’s directive comes in response to allegations that Khan was stopped from offering Namaz inside his own home, raising significant concerns about religious freedoms in the region.

As part of the ruling, the court has mandated that two armed guards accompany Haseen Khan wherever he goes until further notice. Justice Atul Sreedharan emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “Any incident of violence that afflicts him or his property shall be prima facie understood to have occurred at the instance of the State.” This statement underscores the court’s commitment to protecting the rights of individuals against potential state overreach.

The case traces back to an incident on January 16, 2026, when a group allegedly attempted to conduct prayers inside a private residence. Following this, a petition was filed by Tarik Khan seeking permission for religious gatherings during Ramadan, which led to the court’s examination of the legal framework surrounding such activities.

In its ruling, the Allahabad High Court clarified that no prior state permission is required for religious gatherings within private property, provided these activities do not spill over into public spaces. This decision is seen as a significant affirmation of constitutional religious freedoms, particularly in a climate where such rights are often contested.

Haseen Khan has alleged that he was detained by police while praying at home with family members, and he claimed he was coerced into signing a document he could not read due to illiteracy. These allegations prompted the court to issue contempt notices to Bareilly District Magistrate Avinash Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police Anurag Arya for their roles in the incident.

The court has summoned both officials to appear in person on March 23, 2026, to address the matter. The court warned that failure to comply could result in non-bailable warrants being issued against them. This upcoming hearing is anticipated to shed more light on the actions taken by local authorities and their implications for religious practices in private settings.

As the situation unfolds, observers are closely watching how the court’s decisions will influence the balance between state authority and individual rights. The matter has been listed for final orders on March 23, 2026, at 2:00 PM, and details remain unconfirmed regarding the potential outcomes of this significant case.