Allahabad High Court Orders Security for Haseen Khan
The Allahabad High Court has mandated round-the-clock armed security for Haseen Khan following a controversial incident where he was allegedly stopped from offering Namaz inside his private residence. The court’s decision comes in response to concerns about Khan’s safety and the protection of his religious rights.
In a ruling delivered on March 11, 2026, the court directed that two armed guards accompany Haseen Khan wherever he goes until further orders. Justice Atul Sreedharan emphasized, “Any incident of violence that afflicts him or his property shall be prima facie understood to have occurred at the instance of the State.” This statement underscores the court’s commitment to safeguarding constitutional religious freedoms while holding authorities accountable for their actions.
The controversy traces back to an incident on January 16, 2026, when a group of individuals allegedly attempted to offer Namaz inside Khan’s home. Following this, Khan claimed he was detained by police while praying with family members and was compelled to place his thumb impression on a document he could not read due to illiteracy. This incident raised significant concerns about police overreach and the infringement of individual rights.
The court also summoned Bareilly District Magistrate Avinash Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police Anurag Arya to appear in person on March 23, 2026, to address their previous interference in Khan’s prayer activities. The court had issued contempt notices to these officials in February 2026, reflecting its serious stance on the matter. The court warned that failure to appear could result in non-bailable warrants being issued against them.
In its ruling, the Allahabad High Court clarified that no prior state permission is required for religious gatherings within private property, as long as they do not spill onto public roads or spaces. This decision aligns with the court’s broader commitment to uphold the rights of individuals to practice their religion freely, particularly during significant periods such as Ramadan.
The matter has been listed for final orders on March 23, 2026, at 2:00 PM, where further developments are expected. Observers are keenly watching how the court will address the ongoing tensions between individual rights and state authority in this case.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact nature of the police actions that led to the court’s intervention. However, the case highlights the critical balance between maintaining public order and respecting the constitutional rights of citizens in India.
