Punitive actions include arrest, cancellation of passports and driving licences
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – Ahead of Alvida Juma and Eid celebrations, the Meerut Police have announced strict action against those offering namaz on public roads.
Meerut SP Ayush Vikram Singh said on Wednesday anyone found praying on the streets will be booked, potentially arrested, and face cancellation of their passports, and driving licenses.
In a video statement, Singh appealed to imams and religious leaders to restrict prayers to mosques and Eidgah on the last Friday of Ramadan (March 28) and Eid day (tentatively on April 1).
“Namaz will not be allowed on the road at any cost. Striction instructions have been issued in this regard,” he said.
Last year, 200 worshippers were booked for praying on the road, and 80 of them were identified and are facing action.
The police have also initiated cancellation of driving licenses and passports against eight individuals. Their names have been forwarded to District Magistrate Dr Vijay Kumar Singh.
“Whenever any criminal cases are registered against anyone, usually passports and licenses can be cancelled. New passports and licenses cannot be acquired without an NOC from a court.”
Vipin Tada, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) has directed police stations to ensure compliance with the orders, emphasising that no religious activity will be permitted on public roads without official authorisation.
However, these instructions have faced criticism, with Jayant Chaudhry, Rashtriya Lok Dal chief and a minister in the Narendra Modi government, comparing them to a “police state” as described in George Orwell’s novel. In a one-line comment, Chaudhry called it “Policing towards Orwellian 1984”.
In the dystopian novel 1984, George Orwell’s use of a totalitarian government exemplifies its themes throughout the story. Themes and motifs such as censorship, freedom, and propaganda are prevalent throughout the novel and explored through the suspense of Big Brother’s control and motives.
Similar restrictions have been imposed in Sambhal, where the police have ordered that Eid-ul Fitr and Alvida Juma prayers be held only inside mosques and Eidgahs.
The decision was taken at a peace committee meeting at a Sambhal police station. The meeting was attended by additional SP Shrish Chandra, SDM Dr Vandana Mishra, and Circle Officer (CO) Anuj Chaudhary.
Mishra said permission for loudspeakers during the festivals has not been granted.
