Family allowed to enter church,but with rider of ‘good behaviour’
Michael and his family can now enter the church and be a part of the congregation.
Michael and his family can now enter the church and be a part of the congregation. However,before being let into the church,they would have to produce a document — pledging that they will hold their peace and refrain from creating a nuisance. If they violate the conditions,they will not be allowed inside in the future.
This direction came from the Delhi High Court when Michael filed a writ petition,seeking a direction to the Karol Bagh Station House Officer (SHO) that he be allowed free entry and exit at the church. Alleging that prohibiting entry to a ‘place of worship’ was a breach of his fundamental rights,Michael asked the court to intervene in the matter and issue necessary directives to the pastor of the church. Taking up the petition,Justice Vipin Sanghi sought a response from the pastor. The court also asked him to explain his authority with regard to control over the church.
During a recent hearing,the counsel for the pastor stated that the church was open to all its members,and he had no objection to the petitioner and his family members coming to the church to pray. “However,restrictions had to be imposed on their entry after they started creating a ruckus during Sunday prayers. Besides disturbing the serenity of the church,it also resulted in complaints and cross-complaints being lodged at the local police station. The petitioner,while exercising their rights,cannot resort to creating a ruckus at a pious place such as the church,” the lawyer argued.
The counsel for the pastor then suggested two solutions — the local police may be directed to post a police personnel to ensure the petitioner’s good conduct,or the family should furnish a bond assuring them of peaceful conduct during prayer meetings.
Justice Sanghi,however,did not find favour with the option of police presence inside the church,stating that it was “neither desirable nor appropriate”. However,imposing reasonable conditions on the behaviour of Michael and his family seemed like a suitable way to balance the rights of everyone involved in the “atypical situation”,he added.
The court then allowed the entry of Michael and his family into the church on the condition that “they shall execute an undertaking to maintain proper conduct and decorum while they are in the church,and not create any disturbance or ruckus”.
Asking Michael to execute the bond within two weeks,the court said they could renew their church membership. “In case the petitioner and his family members breach the said bond,the pastor may prevent their entry,” it added.
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