HC quashes case against students for offering namaz at restricted spot

Prayagraj: The Allahabad high court has quashed criminal proceedings against two Sant Kabir Nagar students for offering namaz at a restricted place. Justice Saurabh Srivastava, in his decision dated Feb 17, however, cautioned them to follow the instructions issued by the local administration as it was in the interest of society.The two were booked for being a member of unlawful assembly and disobedience to orders duly promulgated by public servants. Subsequently, a Sant Kabir Nagar court issued a summoning order against them in May 2019. During the proceedings, the students' counsel argued that they had no criminal history and were implicated solely based on restriction on offering namaz at a particular place. The counsel told the court that one of the students was preparing for competitive examinations and implicating him in such a "petty offence" could affect his future. Opposing the plea, the govt counsel said certain places were notified as non-permissible for offering namaz to ensure law and order, but the two chose to offer prayers there in violation of the instructions. The court noted that in a democratic and secular set-up, citizens have been guaranteed the right to follow their faith and beliefs as per their own rituals. "However, considering the society's mixed culture, a certain yardstick and the directions issued by the local administration must be followed by all. Such compliance is in the larger interest of society for maintaining law and order as well as peace and harmony," the court observed. It noted that the implication solely on the basis of intention to offer namaz at a place not allowed by the administration was unjustified and hampering the future of students.