NEW DELHI - Indian state has banned Prayers in public places, it has been revealed.
Public spaces such as parks can't be used for religious activities without prior permission, the Noida police have declared, asking multinational companies in Sector-58 to direct their employees to stop offering Friday prayers in Noida Authority parks.
The notice was issued after locals in Bishenpura village of Noida objected to Muslims offering Friday prayers at a park in Sector-58. An increasing number of people offering payers had triggered the notices
A complaint on the same was filed with Noida police on December 16 by seven residents of the village. "From the last weeks days, we have observed that the park owned by the Noida Authority is occupied by Muslims offering namaz every Friday. The numbers have increased over the weeks. Many of them were not even working in the companies in the area. Seeing people assembling for Namaz, others are also assembling," stated the complaint. Calling it "a pre-planned conspiracy", the complaint also stated that the public park was being used for their personal purpose.
Ajay Pal Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Gautam Budh Nagar said, "The rule of law implies for all and the court guidelines are the same for everyone. Time and again we have issued warnings, asking people not to carry out religious activities in the park. However, no one paid any heed. The notice to the companies was issued soon after the complaint."