Public places cannot be encroached for offering prayers: HC

Making it clear that public places cannot be encroached upon for offering prayers, the Madras High Court today ordered the removal of illegal encroachments at Nungambakkam area by some people belonging to a particular religion.

Directing the police and corporation officials to get rid of the makeshift shamiana erected on a pavement to offer prayers, the court said people have the right to pray but cannot create "nuisance" for others.

Counsel for the petitioner, who filed the PIL, submitted that though the building was completely sealed by authorities, some people encroached the pavement opposite to it by putting a makesift shamiana and conducting prayers.

A division bench of Justice N Kirubakaran and Justice Krishnan Ramasamy had earlier directed the Chennai Corporation Commissioner Karthikeyan and Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) Member Secretary Rajesh Lakhoni to appear and explain steps taken on the unauthorised constructions. As per the direction both were present.

"Everybody has got right to conduct prayer as per law in the places of worship or in the residence, but not in the public place causing nuisance to the general public."
Referring to inaction of the officials despite various orders on illegal constructions and encroachments, the bench said, "Unless the court orders are implemented properly, people will lose faith in the system which is not good for democracy."