Mumbai: On Wednesday, the Bombay High Court rejected permission to the Juma Masjid Trust to allow devotees to offer namaz at its mosque in South Mumbai during the Ramzan period. The HC said, “The right to celebrate or follow a religious practice is important, but what is more paramount and of importance is public order and the safety of citizens”.
Jyoti Chavan, an Additional Government pleader opposed the plea and stated that the Covid-19 situation in Mumbai and Maharashtra is alarming. Chavan said, “We cannot make an exception to any religion, especially in these 15 days. We cannot take a risk at this stage and all citizens should cooperate”.
She further added that the Government is not prohibiting anyone from practicing his/her religion, but they must do it in their homes. The HC said, “In our view, the restrictions imposed by the State government are due to the Covid-19 circumstances. Considering the prevailing situation and ground reality in Maharashtra, we cannot permit the petitioner to perform prayers at the mosque”.
Due to the massive surge in Covid-19 cases, the Maharashtra government on Tuesday declared strict restrictions on public movement for the next 15 days across the state. All the religious places and malls will remain shut. The new restrictions will come into effect from 8 pm on Wednesday and would continue till May 1.