‘Either resign or….’: Allahabad HC comes down heavily on Sambhal SP, DM over limiting number of people in mosque

The Allahabad High Court has sternly criticized the Sambhal District Magistrate (DM) and Superintendent of Police (SP) for enforcing a government directive that restricted the number of worshippers allowed in a local mosque. The court deemed this order as an overreach, asserting that religious practices on private property do not require governmental permission. The bench highlighted the importance of maintaining public order while respecting religious freedoms, indicating that local authorities must balance these responsibilities without infringing on citizens' rights to worship. The court's ruling reflects a broader commitment to uphold constitutional provisions regarding freedom of religion, emphasizing that such restrictions are not permissible unless there are valid concerns about law and order. The judges have given the DM and SP a stern choice to either resign or take responsibility for the implications of the order they enforced, underscoring the judiciary's role in safeguarding individual liberties in matters of faith.