Ahead of Bakrid 2026, the Uttar Pradesh government has enforced rigorous security directives mandating that animal sacrifices should take place only at designated sites and religious prayers must remain restricted to traditional venues in order to avoid public disruptions. In response, the Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Commissionerate imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in Noida and Greater Noida to maintain peace and communal harmony. There have been several past incidents which show how creating public disruption while professing religion can lead people to take the law into their own hands. In May, 2025, a student was reportedly arrested for offering namaz in an open area of a private university in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut, officials confirmed.&nbsp;Similarly, on January 19, 2026, twelve Muslims were detained from a village in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly district for offering namaz in an empty house. Reports indicated that the vacant house was reportedly being used as a “temporary madrasa” for the past several weeks.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/eid-ul-adha-2026-60-heartfelt-eid-mubarak-wishes-quotes-and-messages-to-share-on-bakrid-1779868749946">Eid-ul-Adha 2026: 60 heartfelt Eid Mubarak wishes, quotes and messages to share on Bakrid</a><h3>What does Constitution Act say about religious practice in public?</h3><a href="https://www.legislative.gov.in/documents/constitution-of-india/the-constitution-amendment-acts-YTM2EjMtQWa?pageTitle=The-Constitution-(Amendment)-Acts">Article 25</a> of the Constitution of India guarantees every individual the fundamental right to freedom of religion, including the right to profess, practice, and propagate their faith. However, this freedom is subject to reasonable restrictions in the interests of public order, morality, and health. In other words, while people are free to follow and practice their religion, such practices should not disturb social harmony or affect the rights and well-being of others.&nbsp;The article also draws a distinction between religious practices and secular activities linked to religious institutions. The state can regulate or limit secular matters connected with religion, such as economic activities, social reforms, and other non-religious functions. Additionally, Article 25 grants religious denominations or sections of them the right to manage their own religious affairs and maintain religious institutions, provided they do not violate existing laws or public order. &nbsp;

Ahead of Bakrid 2026, the Uttar Pradesh government tightened security measures, restricting animal sacrifice and prayers to designated places to maintain public order. In response, section 163 BNSS was imposed in Noida and Greater Noida.

Ahead of Bakrid 2026, the Uttar Pradesh government has enforced rigorous security directives mandating that animal sacrifices should take place only at designated sites and religious prayers must remain restricted to traditional venues in order to avoid public disruptions. In response, the Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Commissionerate imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in Noida and Greater Noida to maintain peace and communal harmony. There have been several past incidents which show how creating public disruption while professing religion can lead people to take the law into their own hands. In May, 2025, a student was reportedly arrested for offering namaz in an open area of a private university in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut, officials confirmed. Similarly, on January 19, 2026, twelve Muslims were detained from a village in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly district for offering namaz in an empty house. Reports indicated that the vacant house was reportedly being used as a “temporary madrasa” for the past several weeks. Also read: Eid-ul-Adha 2026: 60 heartfelt Eid Mubarak wishes, quotes and messages to share on Bakrid What does Constitution Act say about religious practice in public? Article 25 of the Constitution of India guarantees every individual the fundamental right to freedom of religion, including the right to profess, practice, and propagate their faith. However, this freedom is subject to reasonable restrictions in the interests of public order, morality, and health. In other words, while people are free to follow and practice their religion, such practices should not disturb social harmony or affect the rights and well-being of others. The article also draws a distinction between religious practices and secular activities linked to religious institutions. The state can regulate or limit secular matters connected with religion, such as economic activities, social reforms, and other non-religious functions. Additionally, Article 25 grants religious denominations or sections of them the right to manage their own religious affairs and maintain religious institutions, provided they do not violate existing laws or public order.

Ahead of Bakrid 2026, the Uttar Pradesh government tightened security measures, restricting animal sacrifice and prayers to designated places to maintain public order. In response, section 163 BNSS was imposed in Noida and Greater Noida.

Faith vs public order: What Indian Constitution actually says about religious practice in public spaces

A Sikh student at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, was allegedly detained for wearing kirpan— a ceremonial dagger and one of the five sacred symbols that an orthodox Sikh must wear.

The incident took place on Thursday. The matter came to light after the student posted a video clip of the incident on Twitter, claiming that he was handcuffed for resisting the police officer’s attempt to take his sacred dagger from the sheath.

“I wasn’t going to post this, but I don’t think I will receive any support from @unccharlotte. I was told someone called 911 and reported me, and I got cuffed for resisting because I refused to let the officer take my kirpan out of the miyaan (sheath).”

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I wasn’t going to post this, but I don’t think I will receive any support from <a href="https://twitter.com/unccharlotte?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@unccharlotte</a> . I was told someone called 911 and reported me, and I got cuffed for “resisting” because I refused to let the officer take my kirpan out of the miyaan. <a href="https://twitter.com/CLTNinerNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CLTNinerNews</a> <a href="https://t.co/Vk9b0Tspvm">pic.twitter.com/Vk9b0Tspvm</a>
— امآن وڑائچ (@thatsamaan) <a href="https://twitter.com/thatsamaan/status/1573422591246753794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The video gained instant traction with many coming to the support of the student and condemning the campus authorities for their ignorance towards other people’s religious beliefs.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami took to Twitter to deplore the incident and asked the Indian ambassador in US, Taranjit Singh, and foreign minister S Jaishankar to ensure the religious freedom of the Sikhs in the US.

“We demand an apology from Campus Police and Univ Admn at @unccharlotte that detained a Sikh youth for his Kirpan, a quintessential part of Sikh Kakars. We are in constant touch with @IndianEmbassyUS and @MEAIndia to ensure the Amritdhari student is released with due respect,” Sirsa, a former BJP legislator, said in a tweet.

“I must appreciate the Sikh student who explained the significance of Kirpan with such faith. We demand an apology from @unccharlotte admn on this racial attitude. I also urge @DrSJaishankar Ji to address the issue of discrimination faced by Sikh students at global level,” he added.

Following the uproar, the UNC in a statement apologised for the kind of treatment meted out to the student.

“UNC Charlotte dispatch received a 911 call reporting someone with a knife in the building. Police officers responded to the scene and engaged the individual in question. During this interaction, the individual was placed in handcuffs while officers took possession of the object. The handcuffs were removed after the object was retrieved. Further investigation showed the item was a kirpan, an article of faith in Sikhism,” University chancellor Sharon L Gaber said in a message to the campus community posted on the university’s website, UNCC.edu.

“State law and University policy prohibit the possession of a knife or other edged instruments on campus, but we will use this as a learning opportunity by engaging in constructive dialogue with Sikh students and employees. Together, we are confident we can find reasonable measures and educational opportunities that both protect the safety of our campus and the religious practices of our community members. Our diversity makes us a better, richer, more successful community.”

“We want every Niner to feel welcomed, supported and safe. We apologise that is not what this young man felt in our union yesterday. We are committed to ensuring it doesn’t happen again," read the message.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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A Sikh student at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, was allegedly detained for wearing kirpan— a ceremonial dagger and one of the five sacred symbols that an orthodox Sikh must wear.

A Sikh student at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, was allegedly detained for wearing kirpan— a ceremonial dagger and one of the five sacred symbols that an orthodox Sikh must wear. The incident took place on Thursday. The matter came to light after the student posted a video clip of the incident on Twitter, claiming that he was handcuffed for resisting the police officer’s attempt to take his sacred dagger from the sheath. “I wasn’t going to post this, but I don’t think I will receive any support from @unccharlotte. I was told someone called 911 and reported me, and I got cuffed for resisting because I refused to let the officer take my kirpan out of the miyaan (sheath).” I wasn’t going to post this, but I don’t think I will receive any support from @unccharlotte . I was told someone called 911 and reported me, and I got cuffed for “resisting” because I refused to let the officer take my kirpan out of the miyaan. @CLTNinerNews pic.twitter.com/Vk9b0Tspvm — امآن وڑائچ (@thatsamaan) September 23, 2022 × The video gained instant traction with many coming to the support of the student and condemning the campus authorities for their ignorance towards other people’s religious beliefs. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami took to Twitter to deplore the incident and asked the Indian ambassador in US, Taranjit Singh, and foreign minister S Jaishankar to ensure the religious freedom of the Sikhs in the US. “We demand an apology from Campus Police and Univ Admn at @unccharlotte that detained a Sikh youth for his Kirpan, a quintessential part of Sikh Kakars. We are in constant touch with @IndianEmbassyUS and @MEAIndia to ensure the Amritdhari student is released with due respect,” Sirsa, a former BJP legislator, said in a tweet. “I must appreciate the Sikh student who explained the significance of Kirpan with such faith. We demand an apology from @unccharlotte admn on this racial attitude. I also urge @DrSJaishankar Ji to address the issue of discrimination faced by Sikh students at global level,” he added. Following the uproar, the UNC in a statement apologised for the kind of treatment meted out to the student. “UNC Charlotte dispatch received a 911 call reporting someone with a knife in the building. Police officers responded to the scene and engaged the individual in question. During this interaction, the individual was placed in handcuffs while officers took possession of the object. The handcuffs were removed after the object was retrieved. Further investigation showed the item was a kirpan, an article of faith in Sikhism,” University chancellor Sharon L Gaber said in a message to the campus community posted on the university’s website, UNCC.edu. “State law and University policy prohibit the possession of a knife or other edged instruments on campus, but we will use this as a learning opportunity by engaging in constructive dialogue with Sikh students and employees. Together, we are confident we can find reasonable measures and educational opportunities that both protect the safety of our campus and the religious practices of our community members. Our diversity makes us a better, richer, more successful community.” “We want every Niner to feel welcomed, supported and safe. We apologise that is not what this young man felt in our union yesterday. We are committed to ensuring it doesn’t happen again," read the message. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Uproar over Sikh student being detained at US university for carrying holy 'kirpan'

Indian government filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court today to oppose&nbsp;the practice of polygamy and triple talaq (divorce) in&nbsp;the Muslim community.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In the affidavit, the Indian ministry of law and justice said that there is no reason that&nbsp;women in India should be denied their constitutional rights, Indian news agency ANI reported.

&nbsp;

&quot;Validity of Triple Talaq and polygamy have to be seen in light of gender justice, equality and dignity of women,&quot; the affidavit read.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The affidavit also referred&nbsp;to the&nbsp;constitutional principles like gender equality, secularism, international covenants, religious practices and marital law prevalent in various Islamic countries to urge the country&#39;s top court that triple talaq and polygamy should be adjudicated upon afresh by the apex court, Indian news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&quot;It is submitted that the issue of validity of triple talaq, nikah halala and polygamy needs to be considered in the light of principles of gender justice and the overriding principle of non-discrimination, dignity and equality,&quot; the affidavit filed by Mukulita Vijayawargiya, additional secretary in the ministry said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&quot;The fundamental question for determination by this court is whether, in a secular democracy, religion can be a reason to deny equal status and dignity available to women under the Constitution of India,&quot; it said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The affidavit also referred to the principles of the&nbsp;Indian constitution, saying that &quot;any practice by which women are left &#39;socially, financially or emotionally vulnerable&#39; or subject to the whims and caprice of men-folk is incompatible with the letter and spirit of Article 14 and 15 (Right to Equality) of the Constitution&quot;.

&nbsp;

Linking the issue with the Right to Life and Personal Liberty, the central government in its 29-page affidavit also mentioned that &quot;gender equality and the dignity of the women are non-negotiable, overarching constitutional value and can brook no compromise.

&nbsp;

&quot;These rights are necessary in letter and in spirit not only to realise the aspirations of every individual woman who is an equal citizen of this country but also for the larger well-being of the society and progress of the nation, one-half of which is made up by women,&quot; the ministry further mentioned.&nbsp;

 
(WION with inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

The ministry of law and justice in an affidavit said: 'Gender-equality and the dignity of the women are non-negotiable'

Indian government filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court today to oppose the practice of polygamy and triple talaq (divorce) in the Muslim community. In the affidavit, the Indian ministry of law and justice said that there is no reason that women in India should be denied their constitutional rights, Indian news agency ANI reported. "Validity of Triple Talaq and polygamy have to be seen in light of gender justice, equality and dignity of women," the affidavit read. The affidavit also referred to the constitutional principles like gender equality, secularism, international covenants, religious practices and marital law prevalent in various Islamic countries to urge the country's top court that triple talaq and polygamy should be adjudicated upon afresh by the apex court, Indian news agency PTI reported. "It is submitted that the issue of validity of triple talaq, nikah halala and polygamy needs to be considered in the light of principles of gender justice and the overriding principle of non-discrimination, dignity and equality," the affidavit filed by Mukulita Vijayawargiya, additional secretary in the ministry said. "The fundamental question for determination by this court is whether, in a secular democracy, religion can be a reason to deny equal status and dignity available to women under the Constitution of India," it said. The affidavit also referred to the principles of the Indian constitution, saying that "any practice by which women are left 'socially, financially or emotionally vulnerable' or subject to the whims and caprice of men-folk is incompatible with the letter and spirit of Article 14 and 15 (Right to Equality) of the Constitution". Linking the issue with the Right to Life and Personal Liberty, the central government in its 29-page affidavit also mentioned that "gender equality and the dignity of the women are non-negotiable, overarching constitutional value and can brook no compromise. "These rights are necessary in letter and in spirit not only to realise the aspirations of every individual woman who is an equal citizen of this country but also for the larger well-being of the society and progress of the nation, one-half of which is made up by women," the ministry further mentioned. (WION with inputs from PTI)

'Women should not be denied constitutional rights': Indian government opposes triple talaq in Supreme Court

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