New Delhi

Vishva Hindu Parishad on Wednesday called for a strict prohibition on offering namaz on public roads, alleging that the practice is intended to intimidate both the administration and Hindu society rather than serve as a genuine religious activity.

In a statement, VHP joint general secretary Surendra Jain claimed that offering namaz on roads creates public inconvenience and violates constitutional norms.

“Namaz on roads is not prayer but a disturbance. It is not only against the Constitution but also against humanity and Islam,” he said.

Jain asserted that several courts, including the Supreme Court, have expressed disapproval of prayers being conducted on public roads. He alleged that continuing the practice despite such observations amounts to contempt of court and welcomed governments that have imposed restrictions on it.

The VHP leader praised actions taken by governments in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal against offering namaz on roads, arguing that streets are meant for public movement and convenience.

Referring to incidents in Delhi and Gurugram, Jain alleged that prayers on railway tracks and roads had caused severe traffic disruptions and inconvenienced commuters, schoolchildren and ambulance services.

“They say they only want to offer namaz for five minutes. But traffic jams continue for hours,” he alleged, adding that such gatherings create hardship for the public.

Jain also rejected the argument that namaz is offered on roads due to inadequate space in mosques. Citing past controversies in Gurugram, he alleged that people and prayer mats were transported from distant areas despite mosques remaining vacant nearby.

“This is merely an attempt to mislead people. In reality, it is a show of strength meant to intimidate the administration and Hindu society,” he claimed.

The VHP further argued that road prayers should not be compared to Hindu religious processions such as the Kanwar Yatra, saying those events are organised annually with prior administrative permission and arrangements.

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Jain appealed to state governments across the country to strictly enforce restrictions on offering namaz on roads and ensure compliance with judicial directives and constitutional provisions. He also urged Muslim clerics to encourage followers to obey the law.