The Telangana High Court has affirmed the right of Muslim women to pray at a mosque, ruling in favour of gender inclusivity in religious practices. A two-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice J. Sreenivas Rao, delivered the verdict while reviewing a writ appeal filed by the Mutawalli Committee of Ibadat Khana E Hussaini.
The court's decision mandates that the relevant authorities make necessary arrangements to facilitate women’s access to the mosque.
The case originated when the Anjuman E Alavi Shia Imamia Ithna Ashari Akbari challenged a ruling by the Mutawalli Committee, which had restricted women of the Akbari sect from entering the mosque for prayers.
The initial ruling allowed women from the Akbari sect to access the mosque but was contested through a writ appeal by the committee.
In a significant judgement, the high court upheld the right of Muslim women to offer prayers at the mosque, directing the authorities to ensure that appropriate provisions are put in place to support this practice.