Dehradun: Days after Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami declared that namaz would not be permitted on public roads in Uttarakhand, the High Court allowed Muslims in Nainital to offer Bakrid prayers at the town's Flat Ground. This decision came after the district administration barred the use of the District Sports Association (DSA) Sports Ground for the congregation.
Court Order and Details
A single-judge bench of Justice Pankaj Purohit passed the order while hearing a petition filed by Anjuman-e-Islamia challenging the administration's refusal to allow Eid prayers at the DSA Sports Ground. The court permitted the prayers at Flat Ground between 9 am and 10 am and directed police and local administration to make necessary arrangements for peace and security during the congregation.
Chief Minister's Stance
Last week, Chief Minister Dhami had stated that the government would not allow namaz on roads and that prayers should be held only at mosques, Eidgahs, and designated places. “Namaz should be offered only at designated places, not on roads,” he said, adding that strict action would be taken against anyone obstructing public roads, especially during the Char Dham yatra when lakhs of pilgrims are traveling.
District Administration's Initial Decision
The Nainital administration had on Tuesday issued directions that public Eid prayers would not be permitted at the DSA Sports Ground. Members of the Muslim community were asked to offer prayers inside mosques, private residences, or private establishments. District Magistrate Lalit Mohan Rayal later said the district administration would not grant permission for namaz or any other activity at the DSA Sports Ground and appealed to people to offer Eid prayers peacefully at permitted places.
Peace Committee Meeting and Confusion
After the order, a peace committee meeting was convened at Mallital Kotwali to review Eid preparations. Office-bearers of Anjuman-e-Islamia requested administration and police officials to allow congregational prayers at the DSA Ground, stating it had been an annual practice. However, the sub-divisional magistrate said permission could be granted only after no-objection certificates and clearances from the concerned departments.
Confusion continued through the day over permission for prayers at the ground. Reports initially suggested that the DSA general secretary had granted permission, but a later order effectively revoked it, leaving the final decision with the district administration and prompting Anjuman-e-Islamia to approach the High Court.
Petitioners' Argument and Court's Decision
In court, the petitioners sought permission to hold Bakrid prayers at a public venue, saying the community needed a designated open space for the congregation. The court allowed the use of Flat Ground instead of the DSA Sports Ground and directed authorities to ensure that prayers were conducted peacefully and without disruption.
