Resign If You Can’t Maintain Law and Order: Allahabad HC to SP, DM Over Sambhal Mosque Prayer Row

Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court has sharply criticized the local administration in connection with the dispute over offering prayers at a mosque in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh, telling officials that they should step aside if they are unable to maintain law and order.

During the hearing of a petition challenging restrictions on the number of people allowed to offer namaz at a mosque in Sambhal, the court questioned the role of district authorities in handling the situation.

The petition was filed against an order issued by the district administration that limited the number of worshippers permitted to offer prayers at the mosque. The petitioners argued that the restriction was arbitrary and violated their right to practice religion.

While hearing the matter, the bench made strong observations about the responsibility of the administration to ensure peace while protecting citizens’ rights. The court remarked that maintaining law and order is a primary duty of the authorities.

“If the Superintendent of Police and the District Magistrate are unable to maintain law and order, they should resign from their posts,” the court observed, emphasizing that public officials must be capable of managing sensitive situations.

The bench directed the administration to ensure that peace is maintained in the area and that appropriate arrangements are made so that the situation does not escalate into communal tension.

Officials representing the state government informed the court about the measures taken to prevent any disturbance and maintain security in the region. They said restrictions were imposed as a precautionary step to avoid potential clashes and maintain public order.

The High Court has asked the authorities to submit further details regarding the circumstances under which the restrictions were imposed and the steps taken to manage the situation.

The case has drawn attention due to the strong remarks made by the court, highlighting the balance that authorities must maintain between ensuring public order and protecting religious freedoms.