The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Wednesday appealed to all state governments to strictly prohibit the offering of namaz on roads, urging compliance with constitutional norms and judicial directions. The organization also called on clerics and religious leaders to encourage Muslims to follow the law, rather than being led toward what it described as 'another path of terrorism.'
Political and Administrative Focus on Public Prayers
The remarks come amid heightened political and administrative scrutiny of public prayers ahead of Eid, particularly following recent measures announced in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. The newly elected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal has indicated that namaz on roads and public thoroughfares will not be permitted during Eid gatherings, emphasizing that traffic movement and public convenience must not be disrupted. Similarly, Uttar Pradesh authorities have repeatedly enforced restrictions on offering prayers on roads and open public spaces over the past few years, with police issuing advisories and taking action in several districts.
VHP's Allegations and Concerns
VHP central joint general secretary Surendra Jain alleged that offering namaz on roads constitutes 'not prayer but disturbance,' and claimed the practice violates constitutional norms and judicial orders. He referenced earlier court observations and orders by multiple high courts against blocking public roads for prayers. Jain pointed to instances in places such as Gurugram, where large gatherings for Friday prayers had caused massive traffic jams and inconvenience to commuters, schoolchildren, and ambulance services. He also claimed that several Muslim-majority countries restrict prayers on roads.
Jain further alleged that such gatherings are often used as 'shows of strength' rather than arising from a genuine lack of space in mosques. The VHP leader urged state governments to ensure strict compliance with legal provisions and judicial directives to maintain public order and convenience.
