Not possible to allot space near Mumbai airport for namaz : State Govt

‘Auto-Taxi, Ola-Uber Men’s Union’ had filed a petition in the Bombay High Court demanding space for namaz in the airport area

Mumbai – The ‘Auto-Taxi, Ola-Uber Men’s Union’ had demanded that a temporary shed be set up in the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport area so that Muslim rickshaw, taxi and Ola-Uber drivers can offer namaz. They had filed a petition in the Bombay High Court to demand the same; however, the State Government clarified that ‘no such temporary structure can be set up in the airport area’, citing security reasons. The petitioners demanded that auto and cab drivers who drop passengers at the airport during the month of Ramzan and also during other times should be provided with facilities to offer namaz.

During the hearing of this petition, the State Government submitted an affidavit to the High Court, wherein the Additional Government Advocate Jyoti Chavan, while representing the State Government, argued that,

1. Whether it is the month of Ramzan or any other special day, the airport is a very sensitive area. Therefore, it is not possible to make such arrangements there for security reasons. In view of maintaining security at the airport and ensuring smooth traffic flow, it is not appropriate to accept this demand.

2. Approximately 1,500 to 2,000 people may gather five times a day for prayers. This crowd may pose a potential security threat to the public. The Police are responsible for the security of the airport and the area. It is difficult to maintain the security of such a large crowd.

Find alternative place for offering namaz: Court directs the Govt.

Editorial Perspective

Any nationalist would feel that the petitioners in this matter know very well how to bend the pillars of democracy.

Even though the State Government has denied permission, a bench of Justices B.P. Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla has directed the Government and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to examine the possibility of finding an alternative place for namaz in the airport area without compromising security.

In the previous hearing, the Court had advised the Government to adopt a humanitarian approach. The option of giving temporary permission for the month of Ramzan and then restoring the site was discussed. At that time, ‘Adani Airport Holdings’ advocate Vikram Nankani argued that there are three mosques present near the airport area. The three mosques are located at a distance of 1, 1.3 and 3.4 kms from the airport, respectively. Drivers can easily go to the nearby mosques and offer namaz. (If this is the case, why is such a fuss being made ? The Government should take action against such people – Editor).

Editorial Perspectives

If any Hindu organisation had demanded a place near the airport for Hindus to worship, all four pillars of democracy would have opposed it. This is the state of Hindus in a Hindu-majority country. Can anyone rationally deny the previous statement ?
Hindus should learn religiousness from Muslims. How many Hindus fight for Dharma in this way ? Isn’t it shameful for Hindus ?
It has become essential to investigate the mentality of those in the organisation who are making such a demand.