New Delhi: Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) Joint General Secretary Dr Surendra Jain said that offering Namaz on public roads creates disorder, asserting that such practices are against constitutional norms, public convenience, and Islam. He stated that several High Courts have previously issued directions restricting prayers on roads, and observed that the Supreme Court has also made similar observations in the past.
He said the issue is not merely about “five minutes,” but often leads to serious public inconvenience. Referring to past incidents, he claimed that railway operations in Delhi had been disrupted when prayers were offered on railway tracks, and that traffic on the Jaipur Highway near Gurugram was affected for several hours during such gatherings. He added that school buses and commuters were also affected by prolonged traffic congestion.
Dr Jain further stated that certain Islamic traditions and Hadiths discourage offering prayers on roads, noting that several Muslim-majority countries also regulate or prohibit such practices in public spaces. He argued that no civilised society can permit obstruction of public roads in this manner.
Referring to the argument that insufficient mosque space forces people onto roads, he cited earlier protests in Gurugram against public Namaz gatherings and claimed that media reports at the time had shown prayer mats and groups being transported from distant areas, despite mosques along the route remaining underutilised. He alleged that such gatherings often become demonstrations of numerical strength intended to pressure the administration and society.
Appealing to all State Governments, Dr Jain urged strict enforcement of laws prohibiting prayers on public roads and called for adherence to constitutional and judicial directives. He also appealed to religious leaders and clerics to encourage lawful conduct and social harmony.
