Telangana High Court: P. Naveen Rao, J., while disposing of the present petition, directed the police authorities not to involve or obstruct the petitioners from carrying on religious activities.
The instant writ petition was filed alleging that the 2nd respondent (Police authority) is not allowing the petitioner to perform prayers in the premises claimed to be in its possession. Petitioner alleges that though there is no complaint from the revenue authorities, the 2nd respondent is interfering and obstructing from carrying on activities, precisely, worship including other social activities conducted occasionally. It is further alleged that such interference at a stage before Christmas would be amounting to undue obstruction thereby affecting sentiments of the people belonging to the Christian community.
It was observed by the Court, in the words,
“Be that as it may, as long as no crime is reported, the respondent-Police are directed not to involve or obstruct from carrying on activities by the petitioner. However, having regard to present pandemic, petitioner is also mandated to follow strictly the norms and guidelines stipulated by the Government with reference to conducting of meetings and it is always open to the police to take action, if those guidelines or instructions with reference to the present pandemic are violated. Petitioner is directed to video record the proceedings showing that the proceedings are conducted in full compliance of the guidelines and instructions issued by the Government with reference to the present pandemic, shall preserve and make available to police whenever required by them.”[Agape Full Gospel Ministries v. State of Telangana, 2020 SCC OnLine TS 1783, decided on 24-12-2020]
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