Lucknow University Students Ordered to Maintain Peace After Prayer Incident

Legal Action Following Prayer Outside Historical Site

In a recent ruling, an executive magistrate has mandated that thirteen students from Lucknow University provide a personal bond of ₹50,000 and two sureties of the same amount. This decision comes in response to unauthorized religious activities reported at the historic Lal Baradari building, with the aim of ensuring law and order for one year. The incident occurred when students attempted to pray outside the building, which was locked at the time.

According to the challan report from the Hasanganj police station, the activities led to a tense atmosphere on campus, raising concerns about potential disturbances to public peace in the future. Consequently, the magistrate's order requires the students to submit the specified financial guarantees to maintain order.

Shubham Khairwar, a student at Lucknow University, shared with a news outlet that some Muslim students prayed outside Lal Baradari due to restrictions on praying inside. Notices have been issued to the students regarding this matter, and they plan to protest against the closure of the gates. Another student, Ahmed Raza, mentioned that the notices indicated their prayers and iftar gathering disrupted peace. While acknowledging that some individuals may have reacted violently, he emphasized that students can sometimes act out.

Raza further explained that the significant disruption stemmed from the fact that Muslims prayed while Hindus defended them. Notices were issued to thirteen individuals, including both Hindus and Muslims, for allegedly disturbing the peace, despite no actual violations occurring. He asserted that they did not chant any provocative slogans, and it was others who attempted to incite unrest.