Ban Namaz in public places and govt premises: Basanagouda Patil Yatnal writes to CM
Ban Namaz: In the wake of restrictions on the activities of private institutions in government premises and schools and colleges in the state, BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal has written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah demanding a ban on Namaz (prayer) on public roads and government properties.
Citing the new rules brought by the government, Yatnal demanded that the principle of equality and neutrality be implemented equally for all sections of the society.
Yatnal’s main reasons for banning Namaz:
Offering Namaz on public roads, footpaths and government premises without prior permission obstructs the movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
This poses a threat to the safety of pedestrians and violates the fundamental rights of free movement and security granted to citizens under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution.
On the one hand, restricting the activities of private institutions and on the other hand, allowing Namaz in government offices or government-aided institutions without permission is tantamount to selective enforcement. Yatnal mentioned in the letter that this undermines the credibility of the administration.
In his petition, he has once again urged that there should be no special permission for offering Namaz on public property.
Yatnal has requested the Chief Minister, all the District Magistrates and Police Commissioners of the state to issue appropriate directions in this regard. He has urged the government to frame a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) or circular to impose penalties under the Karnataka Police Act and relevant traffic rules if public places are used for religious purposes without permission.
Uniform implementation of these measures will strengthen the state’s commitment to secularism, equality before the law and public order. Therefore, Yatnal has urged the Chief Minister to immediately ban Namaz in public places to promote order and discipline, promote religious inclusion and avoid traffic congestion.
BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal has written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to ban Namaz on public roads and government properties. He said that this causes inconvenience to the public and is against the equality of the law.
