Kolkata: Prominent Islamic cleric and Chief Imam of Kolkata’s historic Nakhoda Masjid, Maulana Mohammad Shafique Qasmi, has backed the state government’s decision to prohibit offering namaz on public roads without prior administrative approval, saying roads are meant for commuters and should remain unobstructed.
Speaking on the issue, Qasmi stressed that public roads are primarily meant for pedestrians and vehicular movement and should not be routinely occupied for religious purposes. He noted that large congregational prayers during festivals such as Eid are occasional events and can be allowed in open spaces with proper permission from authorities, but regular prayers on roads are inappropriate.
The Imam also appealed to members of the Muslim community to make use of mosques and other designated religious spaces for daily prayers instead of gathering on public thoroughfares.
His remarks came amid heightened tension in Kolkata’s Rajabazar locality on Friday after a group allegedly attempted to offer namaz on a road despite the state government’s recent restrictions on religious activities in public places without permission.
The situation turned tense when police personnel reached the spot to clear the road and reportedly faced resistance from some members of the gathering. Protesters claimed that roadside namaz had been practiced in the area for years, while authorities maintained that keeping roads free was necessary to ensure smooth traffic flow and maintain law and order.
In Kolkata’s Rajabazar during Friday prayers, Muslims demanded to offer namaz on the roads like before despite the recent ban.
Police stepped in with lathis, and the crowd quickly realized the government had changed, after which they dispersed. pic.twitter.com/3giU3DvImH
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) May 15, 2026
Police later cleared the stretch, following which vehicular movement resumed. Officials said the situation was subsequently brought under control.
The controversy has emerged amid the tougher stand adopted by the new government led by Suvendu Adhikari regarding religious gatherings on roads and public spaces.
Stone pelting at Park Circus occurred coz peacefuls want to break laws.
Namaz on road
Open slaughter
No sound limit
Kolkata Police are at it and taking strict action. pic.twitter.com/ol9UPJ6qEA— Keya Ghosh (@keyakahe) May 17, 2026
According to BJP sources, the Chief Minister recently instructed during a Cabinet meeting that namaz should be offered only inside mosques and that any religious activity disrupting public movement would not be permitted.
Under the previous administration headed by Mamata Banerjee, religious gatherings, including roadside prayers, were allowed in several parts of the state. The current government, however, has argued that such practices inconvenience the public and disrupt normal civic life.
