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Synopsis

The Allahabad High Court recently directed the superintendent of Central Jail, Etawah, to ensure that a convict is allowed to offer prayers five times a day during Ramadan and to retain a copy of the Quran, without interference from jail authorities.

The division bench of Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Nand Prabha Shukla passed the order while hearing a plea filed by Uzma Abid, whose husband is currently lodged in a high-security jail in Etawah.

The petitioner claimed that her husband was being denied the right to practice his religious beliefs, as he was not allowed to perform namaz and his copy of the Quran had been taken away.

During the hearing, the state’s standing counsel assured the court that the petitioner's concerns would be examined by jail authorities in accordance with the law.

Taking note of this, the court directed the jail superintendent to ensure that the convict’s right to practice his religion is upheld and that there is no interference in his offering of prayers during Ramadan. Court further ordered that he be allowed to retain a copy of the Quran.

However, the high court clarified that routine security measures inside the prison shall continue to be in place.

Case Title: Uzma Abid Vs. State Of U.P. And 5 Others