Allahabad High Court Orders Security for Haseen Khan
The Allahabad High Court has mandated round-the-clock armed security for Haseen Khan following an incident where he was allegedly prevented from offering Namaz inside his private residence. The court’s ruling, issued on March 11, 2026, comes in response to growing concerns over the safety and religious freedoms of individuals in the region.
According to the court’s directive, two armed guards will accompany Haseen Khan wherever he goes until further notice. 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 protecting the constitutional rights of individuals to practice their religion without state interference.
The controversy traces back to an incident on January 16, 2026, when a group of individuals allegedly attempted to conduct prayers inside Khan’s home. Following this, a petition was filed by Tarik Khan, seeking permission for religious gatherings during Ramadan. The court ruled that no prior state permission is required for such gatherings within private property, provided they do not extend into public spaces.
Haseen Khan has claimed that he was detained by police while praying at home with family members, and he further alleged that he was coerced into signing a document he could not read due to his illiteracy. This has raised significant concerns regarding the treatment of individuals practicing their faith in private settings.
The court had previously issued contempt notices to Bareilly District Magistrate Avinash Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police Anurag Arya for their interference in Khan’s prayer activities. The matter has now been scheduled for final orders on March 23, 2026, at 2:00 PM, where both officials are required to appear in person. The court has warned that failure to comply could lead to the issuance of non-bailable warrants.
This ruling reflects the ongoing tensions surrounding religious freedoms in India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, where incidents of police interference in religious practices have been reported. The Allahabad High Court’s decision to provide security for Haseen Khan is seen as a significant step towards safeguarding individual rights amidst these challenges.
As the situation develops, observers are keenly awaiting the court’s final orders and the response from local authorities regarding the enforcement of this ruling. Details remain unconfirmed about any further actions that may be taken by the state in light of the court’s directives.
