The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday directed authorities to deploy two security guards around the clock to protect a Muslim man who alleged that he and others were prevented from offering namaz on his private property in Bareilly district.
The petitioner, Haseen Khan, told the court that some individuals had warned him that his property in Mohammad Ganj village would be demolished if he failed to give a statement in court in line with their demands.
The court also noted Khan’s claim that certain police personnel allegedly forced him to put his thumb impression on a document without explaining its contents, Scroll.in reported.
During the hearing on Wednesday, Khan requested the court to ensure protection for his family and property.
Considering the plea, a bench comprising Justices Atul Sreedharan and Siddharth Nandan ordered that two armed security personnel be stationed to provide round-the-clock protection to Khan until further orders.
The bench further observed that if any violence were to occur against Khan or his property, it would prima facie be treated as having taken place “at the instance of the state,” though the observation would remain open to challenge.
In a separate case on January 27, the Allahabad High Court had ruled that holding a religious prayer meeting on private property does not require prior permission as long as the activity remains confined within the premises. The court had also taken note of the Uttar Pradesh government’s submission that no such legal requirement exists.