Daijiworld Media Network - Nagpur

Nagpur, Aug 22: The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court on Friday dismissed a petition challenging provisions of the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, observing that the plea did not place concrete, clear and detailed grounds on record.

A division bench comprising Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Rajnish Vyas pronounced the decision.

The petition was filed by Mohammad Kaiser Farooq, who challenged provisions of the law relating to prior notice, public declaration, penalties and complaints by third parties.

The petitioner had argued that these provisions violated Articles 14, 19(1)(a), 21 and 25 of the Constitution of India.

The High Court, referring to several judgments of the Supreme Court, observed that a person challenging the constitutional validity of legislation must place specific and detailed grounds and supporting material before the court.

The bench said constitutional questions cannot be adjudicated in the absence of clear grounds establishing the basis of the challenge.

Rs 500 fine imposed

The court also imposed a fine of Rs 500 on the petitioner for filing a plea based on vague and incomplete grounds and thereby consuming judicial time.

The petitioner was directed to deposit the amount in the account of the Legal Services Sub-Committee of the High Court within one week.

Liberty to file fresh petition

At the same time, the court granted liberty to the petitioner to approach it again with a fresh petition after undertaking proper study and research and raising specific and substantive grounds.

The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act is scheduled to come into force in the state from August 28, 2026.