Recently, people in many cities of India are collectively reciting Hanuman Chalisa in protest against the violence on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. This protest is apparently a way of expressing condolences and sympathy against the intolerant behavior based on religious identity. Seeing the organization of such religious gatherings in different parts of India, some sections of the society have started looking at it from the perspective of law and public peace. Let us know whether doing this can lead to punishment?

freedom of religion in the constitution

Article 25 of the Constitution of India grants every person the right to freedom of religion, including worship, prayer and religious observance. This means that individuals can worship according to their personal beliefs, but this freedom is constitutionally limited, and any event or event in a public place may require permission from local authorities, especially if it is a large group.

Use of public space and laws

The Kolkata High Court recently clarified in a case that public space cannot be independently claimed for any religious event. The court said that if any group wants to organize an event like recitation of Hanuman Chalisa by gathering on a public road or ground, then it will have to take permission first. This is because such an event can cause traffic, public disruption and law and order problems.

Why is permission necessary?

For a long time, central and state laws have held that large gatherings require permission from the police and administration to maintain security and peace. If any major religious program or public recitation takes place without permission, the administration may view it as a violation of law and order and may take action against the organizers.

Can there be any punishment?

If any kind of gathering, religious recitation or demonstration is carried out in a public place without permission, it can be considered an offense under the Police Act, Crowd Control Act and rules for maintaining public peace. In such cases, the fine may extend to temporary arrest in certain circumstances, especially if the administration has clearly issued instructions against the event.

public sentiments vs law

People sometimes use group prayer or recitation as a form of emotional support, especially in sensitive situations such as violence against minorities in Bangladesh. The Constitution allows this sentiment, but when it starts going beyond the scope of public peace and law, the administration can intervene.

Also read: Not only Hindus, people of these religions are also in distress in Bangladesh, know how much population has decreased since 1971?