Overview

• The High Court directed the Secretary of the Cultural Affairs and Social Justice Department to decide on Umer Abdul Jabbar Gopalani’s representation for Bakri Eid namaaz by the end of day June 6
• Gamdevi police had refused permission for mass prayers over concerns of traffic congestion and potential law and order issues
• Gopalani contended that Eid namaaz has been conducted at the Maidan for more than 50 years without incident and highlighted NOCs from fire and traffic authorities
• The bench allowed the petitioner to amend his plea to include the relevant department after referring to a 2006 order on event approvals at the protected monument
• August Kranti Maidan, where Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement in 1942, requires approval from the cultural affairs secretary for any religious or public gathering