Religious Congregations on Private Property Subject to Regulation: Allahabad High Court

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that regular religious congregations on private property are not immune to state regulation.

The Bench clarified that while personal, occasional prayer is protected, organized gatherings involving outsiders can alter a property's use and affect public order.

The Court emphasized that religious freedom under Article 25 is not absolute and must balance with civic order and the rights of others.

Dismissing a plea to offer regular namaz on a site in Sambhal, the Court held that authorities need not wait for an actual disturbance to intervene if an activity has public consequences.

[Aseen v. State of Uttar Pradesh & Ors.]