No Permission Required for Private Religious Prayer Meetings, Rules Allahabad High Court

The Allahabad High Court has clarified that religious prayer meetings within private premises in Uttar Pradesh do not necessitate government permission. This decision comes after reviewing petitions from Maranatha Full Gospel Ministries and Emmanuel Grace Charitable Trust, who sought approval for private prayer gatherings.

The court's judgment, delivered by Justices Atul Sreedharan and Siddharth Nandan, emphasized the fundamental right to religious freedom under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution. It acknowledged the state's confirmation that no legal requirement exists for seeking permission to hold such private religious events.

However, the high court specified that if the gatherings extend onto public spaces, organizers must notify the police and obtain necessary permissions. This ruling reinforces equal protection under the law for all citizens, without religious discrimination. The court disposed of the petitions, allowing the parties to conduct their meetings according to their convenience.