State government and MMRDA rejected demand for prayer area outside Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, citing high-security zone.
MUMBAI — The issue of offering namaz near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport has reached the Bombay High Court after the state government and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) rejected a request by taxi and cab drivers for a designated prayer space outside the airport.
The drivers, many of whom are Muslims, had sought permission to construct a shed outside the airport premises to offer namaz during working hours. Authorities, however, turned down the request, citing security concerns in the high-security airport zone.
Union Moves Court
Following the rejection, the Auto-Taxi, Ola-Uber Men’s Union filed a petition before the High Court. The union stated that a large number of Muslim drivers operate in and around the airport and face difficulty performing the five daily prayers due to long working hours.
According to the petitioners, nearly 1,500 to 2,000 people gather daily near the airport area to offer namaz.
“We are not asking for anything illegal. We only want a small space where we can pray peacefully without disturbing anyone,” a representative of the drivers said.
The petition argued that drivers often spend extended periods waiting for passengers and cannot always travel far from the airport area to offer prayers.
Court Suggests Exploring Alternatives
A division bench of Justices B.P. Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla heard the matter and directed the state government and MMRDA to examine whether an alternative site could be identified within the airport vicinity without compromising security.
The court also suggested that temporary permission could be considered during the month of Ramzan, if feasible. It observed that any temporary structure could later be removed and the area restored to its original condition.
The bench asked officials to explore a solution that balances security requirements with the religious rights of workers.
Government Flags Security Risks
Additional Public Prosecutor Jyoti Chavan, appearing for the state, told the court that the proposed site falls within a high-security zone. She submitted that permitting large gatherings at a sensitive location on a regular basis could pose serious security risks.
She informed the bench that security of the airport and its surrounding areas rests with the police and that granting such permission may raise safety concerns.
The government also contended that drivers have access to nearby mosques where they can offer prayers.
Airport Operator’s Stand
Senior advocate Vikram Nankani, representing Adani Airport Holdings, told the court that three mosques are located close to the airport.
According to him, one mosque is approximately one kilometre away and can be reached on foot within 10 to 15 minutes. Another is about 1.3 kilometres away, while a third is situated around 3 to 4 kilometres from the airport.
He argued that these facilities provide reasonable alternatives for offering prayers.
Political Reactions
The issue has also drawn political attention. Leaders from the Samajwadi Party and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) have supported the drivers’ demand for a designated prayer space. Meanwhile, leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have opposed the proposal.
The matter was raised in the state Assembly, triggering heated exchanges among legislators.
Next Hearing on March 4
The High Court has directed the authorities to respond and explore possible options. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for March 4.
For now, the drivers say they hope the court will help find a practical solution that enables them to fulfil their religious obligations without compromising airport security.
“We respect the law and security rules,” one driver said outside the court. “We only want a workable arrangement so we can pray during Ramzan and throughout the year.”
The case continues as the court weighs security considerations against the right to practise religion.
