Structures Erected To Offer Prayers In Public Places Causing Nuisance, Remove Them: Madras HC

In a judgement on Tuesday, the Madras High Court said that public spaces can’t be used for offering prayers, The Financial Express has reported.

The High Court has ordered the police and local administration to remove structures erected by people of a particular religion in public spaces, saying one can pray but have no right to cause “nuisance” for others.

“Everybody has got right to conduct prayer as per law in the places of worship or in the residence, but not in the public place causing nuisance to the general public,” the Madras high court observed, according to the daily.

“Therefore, it is the duty of the police officials and the corporation authorities to remove such encroachments in accordance with law,” it added.

“The commissioner of police is directed to enquire and identify the persons who are responsible for such encroachment on the pavement opposite to the subject property in this writ petition and file a report before this court,” it said.

The High Court was hearing a plea against the illegal encroachments in Nungambakkam area of Chennai, where a makeshift shamiana has been erected on a pavement to offer prayers.

The court also asked the Chennai Corporation Commissioner D Karthikeyan and Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority Member Secretary Rajesh Lakhoni to explain steps taken against the encroachment.