Petitioner claims videos featuring music and dancing compromise the sanctity of the mosque
The Islamabad High Court has issued notices to the respondents, including mosque in-charge Faisal, seeking their response to a petition calling for a ban on entering the mosque in inappropriate attire and filming videos with dance and music on the premises.
Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir heard the petition filed by citizen Musharraf Zain on Monday. The applicant, accompanied by his lawyer, appeared in court.
Justice Tahir sought the response of Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Chairman CDA, Ministry of Religious Affairs, President International Islamic University, IG Islamabad and Probate Office on the petition.
The petition claimed that numerous videos circulating on social media showed individuals recording indecent content on the mosque premises.
He argued that videos featuring music and dance compromised the sanctity and dignity of the mosque, while filming such content in half-naked or inappropriate clothing constituted a violation of the sanctity of the mosque and contravened the right to religious freedom guaranteed under Article 20 of the Constitution.
The petitioner further said that formal written complaints were made to the mosque in-charge, Islamabad deputy commissioner and CDA chairman, but no action was taken.
Similar complaints were also made to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the President of the International Islamic University and the IG Islamabad Police.
The petition asked the court to prohibit people wearing indecent or inappropriate clothing from entering the mosque and to prohibit the recording of videos involving music and dancing on the premises.
During the proceedings, Justice Tahir asked the petitioner’s lawyer: “Who should the court instruct in this matter?” The lawyer responded that the head of the mosque and other relevant officials had been named as defendants in the case.
Thereafter, the court issued notices to all the respondents, sought their written responses and adjourned the hearing.
