AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has criticised what he described as a “double standard” in the treatment of religious practices in India, particularly the debate around offering namaz on public roads. He argued that if road namaz is considered inappropriate or restricted, then similar rules should apply uniformly to all religious gatherings and festival processions that occupy public spaces.
Speaking in the context of Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion, Owaisi said selective restrictions undermine constitutional equality. His remarks come amid ongoing legal and civic debates over the use of roads for religious activities, with stakeholders divided between concerns of public order and the right to religious expression.
Owaisi Raises Question On Equality
Asaduddin Owaisi has once again triggered a wider political and social debate by questioning the consistency of restrictions imposed on religious practices in public spaces. He argued that if offering namaz on roads is deemed unacceptable, then restrictions should be applied uniformly across all faiths without exception.
He stated that various religious and cultural events across communities routinely use public roads for gatherings, processions, and celebrations. According to him, targeting one form of religious expression while permitting others creates an imbalance in how laws are applied in a secular democracy.
Reference To Article 25 And Constitutional Rights
Central to Owaisi’s argument is Article 25 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees the right to freely profess, practise, and propagate religion. He suggested that this constitutional provision must be interpreted in a way that ensures equal treatment of all religious communities in public life.
He emphasised that freedom of religion is not only about private belief but also includes the right to express faith publicly, subject to reasonable restrictions. In his view, these restrictions should not be applied selectively based on the religion involved, but must remain consistent and fair for all citizens.
‘Double Standards’ In Public Space Usage
Owaisi alleged that there is a perceived inconsistency in how public spaces are regulated during religious occasions. He pointed out that large-scale festival processions, yatras and community celebrations often occupy roads and public infrastructure, sometimes causing disruptions to traffic and daily life.
Despite this, he argued, criticism tends to be disproportionately directed towards specific religious practices such as road namaz. He described this as a “double standard”, suggesting that equal rules should govern all forms of public religious expression.
Ongoing Debate On Law, Order And Religious Freedom
The remarks come amid continuing discussions across several states regarding the use of public roads for religious activities. Authorities and courts have, in different instances, raised concerns about traffic congestion, safety and public inconvenience caused by gatherings on roads.
At the same time, supporters of religious expressions argue that such practices are part of cultural tradition and communal identity. The debate has therefore evolved into a broader discussion about balancing civic management with constitutional freedoms.
Recent debates around the use of public roads for religious gatherings have also gained traction on social media platforms, where users have expressed sharply divided opinions. While some call for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, others stress the importance of equal treatment of all faith-based practices. The issue continues to attract attention from political leaders, civil society voices and legal experts across India in recent days across regions India.
Diverging Views Across Stakeholders
While Owaisi’s supporters view his comments as a call for equal application of law and protection of minority rights, critics argue that public roads are meant primarily for transportation and civic use. They maintain that any religious activity causing obstruction should be regulated uniformly, regardless of faith.
This divergence highlights a continuing tension between individual religious freedoms and collective public convenience, a recurring theme in India’s civic and constitutional discourse.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At the heart of this debate lies a deeper question about how a diverse society can uphold both constitutional freedoms and civic responsibility without creating division. The Logical Indian believes that all religious expressions must be treated with equal respect under the law, while also recognising that public spaces belong to every citizen and must remain accessible, safe and functional.
Instead of framing such issues as competing identities, there is a need for dialogue that prioritises empathy, shared responsibility and mutual respect. Religious expression and civic order need not be in conflict if approached with sensitivity, clear guidelines and consistent enforcement that applies equally to all communities.
Ultimately, the focus should be on building harmony rather than highlighting differences, ensuring that India’s pluralism remains a strength rather than a point of contention. How can society better balance religious expression in public spaces with the need for civic order while ensuring fairness for all communities?
Owaisi Questions ‘Double Standards’ on Namaz on Roads, Says Same Rule Must Apply to All Faiths
— The Observer Post (@TheObserverPost) May 30, 2026
Read:https://t.co/pAS1Wo8dhG pic.twitter.com/ayMB3I5hYE
