Bombay High Court Directs Maharashtra Government to Decide on Plea to Allow Namaaz at August Kranti Maidan

The Bombay High Court directed the Secretary of Maharashtra's Cultural Affairs Ministry to promptly address a plea seeking permission to perform Namaaz at Mumbai's August Kranti Maidan.  

The petition was filed by Umer Abdul Jabbar Gopalani, challenging the rejection of his request by the Gamdevi Police Station.

The police had refused permission on the grounds of possible traffic issues, and also the possible "law and order" situation that may arise due to the use of the public ground for such a religious purpose.

The Court highlighted that the state government holds the authority to make such decisions and urged it to act expeditiously, preferably on the same day.