Has the Madras HC Responded to Friday Prayers on Roads?
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Synopsis
The Madras High Court's notice to a Coimbatore mosque regarding Friday prayers on a road raises crucial questions about community practices and public safety. As the court awaits further responses, the implications for local residents and religious practices remain to be seen.
Key Takeaways
- The Madras High Court is addressing concerns regarding Friday prayers on public roads.
- A notice has been issued to the mosque for a response.
- The case highlights the balance between religious practices and public safety.
- Community stakeholders are involved in ongoing discussions.
- The situation is being monitored by local authorities.
Chennai, May 28 (NationPress) The Madras High Court has issued a notice on Wednesday to the Hidayathul Muslimin Sunnath Jamath located in Thudiyalur, Coimbatore district, following a public interest litigation (PIL) concerning the practice of holding Friday prayers on a public road adjacent to the mosque.
The notice mandates a response by June 11. A special summer vacation bench, which includes Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy and Justice T.V. Thamilselvi, acknowledged the statement made by Additional Advocate General (AAG) M.S. Suresh Kumar, representing the Coimbatore District Collector, who indicated that no obstructions have occurred on the road since April 18, 2025.
The AAG further informed the court that revenue officials have been engaging in peace committee meetings with local stakeholders, ensuring that the situation is consistently monitored. Supporting this view, Special Government Pleader for the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, N.R.R. Arun Natarajan, stated that there have been no disruptions to nearby temples due to the prayer gatherings.
The PIL was initiated by S. Vijesh, an employee at Lakshmi Mills Works in Nilambur.
With representation from advocate C.K. Chandrasekhar, the petitioner claimed that local residents have been facing considerable inconvenience, as the Friday prayers, held between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m., overflow onto the adjacent public road due to limited space within the mosque.
The petitioner argued that this overflow obstructed access to two nearby temples and led to traffic congestion caused by poorly parked vehicles by attendees. He further contended that this obstruction of a public road endangered public safety, especially in emergencies where access for emergency services could be hindered.
During the proceedings, Justice Ramamoorthy noted, “Ultimately, we are a multi-religious nation. Therefore, reasonable accommodation must be provided by individuals of all faiths.” However, recognizing the necessity to hear the response from the Jamath, the court issued the notice and postponed the matter for further hearing in two weeks.
Point of View
The Madras High Court's intervention reflects a necessary balance between religious practices and public safety. It is crucial that all faiths find a way to coexist harmoniously, ensuring that community needs are met without compromising the safety and accessibility of public spaces.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason behind the PIL?
The PIL was filed due to concerns about Friday prayers extending onto a public road, causing inconvenience and potential safety hazards for local residents and emergency services.
What did the court observe during the hearing?
The court acknowledged the need for reasonable accommodation among different faiths while emphasizing the importance of hearing the mosque's response.
When is the next hearing scheduled?
The next hearing is scheduled for June 11.
