HYDERABAD: The Telangana High Court on Friday directed the police to conduct an inquiry within 24 hours and determine the protection needed for women of the Ahle Hadees sect for performing their Id-ul-Zuha prayers at the Dhanasri Muslim Idgah ground in Sangareddy during the upcoming Bakrid festival.
Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy was dealing with a writ petition filed by Mohammed Moin, challenging the inaction of DSP, Zaheerabad, and SHO in not considering representations seeking police protection for the women to perform their Id namaz from 6.30 am to 7.30 am. The petitioners moved a lunch motion on Friday.
It was the case of the petitioners that different Muslim sects have different prayer times during Id. The Ahle Hadees sect would pray early in the morning. The other sects were advancing their timings, which was obstructing them from performing their prayers.
Counsel for the petitioners stated that men were threatening and obstructing the women during their prayers, thereby creating havoc. Counsel pointed out that depriving these women from practicing their religious prayers was a violation of their fundamental right.
Counsel pointed out that similar issues were raised and representations were made during Ramzan, yet no action was taken to protect the women.
The government pleader for the home department contended that no such activities were taking place, and the petitioner had the right to offer their prayers. “When police can give protection during Ganesh festivities for 12 days, it should certainly be feasible for one hour,” Justice Vijaysen said.
The judge also referred to the Shabari Malai case and pointed out that no individual should be deprived of practicing their religion. The judge directed the police authorities to conduct an inquiry within 24 hours based on the representation and ascertain as to what extent the protection was required and provide the same to the women and posted the matter to June 28 for further hearing.
