'What's Divine To One May Be Nuisance To Another': Madras HC Bars Unauthorised Prayer Meets At Home
The court also warned against large congregations that lead to traffic congestion in narrow streets, observing that it can't be excused under the pretext of religious freedom
The Madras High Court has prohibited the use of a residential property in Chennai for holding religious gatherings unless prior approval is obtained from the District Collector.
Hearing a writ petition filed by Prakash Ramachandran, Justice N Anand Venkatesh ruled that residential spaces cannot be converted into prayer halls without appropriate sanction from the authorities. The plea sought action against the Global Organisation for Divinity (GOD) and TS Subramanian for allegedly conducting Nama Sankeerthanam sessions that were causing a public nuisance.
'What sounds to the fifth respondent as divine, is causing nuisance to the petitioner," the court remarked, highlighting the tension between personal religious practices and the peace of the surrounding neighbourhood.
The respondents defended their activities under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, claiming that chanting the name of God promotes peace. They also submitted that they had the oral consent of other neighbours and had applied to the District Collector for the necessary clearance.
The court, however, pointed out that no permission had been granted to date. 'Till the permission is given by the District Collector, the fourth and fifth respondents shall not use the residential premises as a prayer hall," the judge ordered. He further directed that if any prayers are to be conducted, they must be limited to within the house and must not disturb others.
Justice Venkatesh also warned against large congregations that lead to traffic congestion in narrow residential streets, observing that such inconveniences cannot be excused under the pretext of religious freedom.
The judge instructed the local police to ensure the property is not misused for public prayers and that it retains its residential character unless officially permitted otherwise. The petition was accordingly disposed of.
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