On Thursday, the Bombay High Court refused to permit Muslim drivers and passengers to offer Namaz within the premises of Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, even during the ongoing Ramadan period, holding that airport security considerations must prevail over such requests. The decision followed submissions by authorities pointing to security concerns and perceived threats arising from gatherings near sensitive airport zones, which the Court found too significant to disregard.
The case arose from petitions seeking permission for Muslim drivers and passengers to perform Namaz at a shed located near the airport entrance, a practice the petitioners claimed had existed for decades. The Maharashtra government opposed the request, placing on record a security assessment prepared by multiple agencies, including airport security officials, the Anti-Terrorism Cell and local police.
According to the report, at least seven alternative locations were examined but found unsuitable due to security concerns and the proximity of VVIP movement areas. Petitioners argued that the restriction unfairly prevented them from observing mandatory prayers during Ramadan and alleged discriminatory treatment, pointing to the presence of two temples within the airport premises. The State, however, maintained that the restriction was driven solely by security considerations and not by religious bias.
The Division Bench of Justice Burgess Colabawalla and Justice Firdosh Pooniwalla sided with the State, emphasizing that the airport is a high-security zone used by passengers from every community and that security assessments cannot be lightly dismissed. Addressing the petitioner’s concerns, the Bench remarked that individuals remain free to pray at nearby mosques but cannot insist on doing so inside airport premises.
Stressing the limits of judicial intervention in security matters, the Court observed that “Whether it is religion or otherwise, security is paramount.” The Bench declined to grant permission for prayers at the airport for the present year, leaving it open for the petitioners to approach authorities in the future regarding possible arrangements once redevelopment of the airport is completed.
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