BJP MLA Karnail Singh urges Delhi Police Commissioner to take action against public Namaz

BJP MLA Karnail Singh Urges Delhi Police to Curb Public Namaz, Sparks Debate on Religious Freedom

BJP MLA Karnail Singh has sparked a heated debate after urging Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora to take strict action against Muslims offering Namaz in public spaces. The legislator from Tilak Nagar constituency claims these prayers create traffic obstructions and inconvenience for pedestrians, calling the practice a "public nuisance." His letter specifically mentions areas like Inderlok, Jama Masjid, and several metro station vicinities where congregational prayers allegedly block footpaths and roads.

The demand has drawn polarized reactions across Delhi's political and religious circles. While some local residents and Hindu groups have supported Singh's stance, Muslim organizations and opposition leaders have accused him of religious targeting. "Every citizen has the right to practice their faith, but not at the cost of public convenience," Singh told reporters, defending his position. However, critics like Maulana Hakimuddin of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind countered, "Why only focus on Namaz when massive religious processions often occupy streets without similar scrutiny?"

Delhi Police officials confirmed receiving the letter but emphasized they would handle any law-and-order issues impartially. A senior officer stated, "We respect all religious practices, but will act if any gathering violates traffic rules or causes undue disruption." Legal experts note that while India's constitution guarantees religious freedom, courts have previously ruled against using public spaces for regular worship activities that obstruct civic life.

The controversy comes amid heightened political tensions in the national capital. AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj condemned the move as "another attempt to polarize communities before elections," while some Muslim community leaders expressed willingness to find alternative prayer arrangements. "We're open to dialogue with authorities to identify suitable spaces that don't inconvenience others," said local imam Abdul Qayyum, striking a conciliatory note.

As the debate continues, the incident highlights Delhi's ongoing challenges in balancing religious expression with urban governance. With police yet to announce concrete measures, the situation remains a delicate test for the city's social harmony and administrative resolve. The outcome may set important precedents for how India's capital manages competing claims to its shared public spaces.