PASTOR ANNAIAH Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Advocate for respondents. According to the petition averments, the petitioner is a pastor of 'Zion Prayer Church'. He has filed this petition in his individual capacity and also on behalf of the entire Christian community of Hassan District, contending that they have not been allowed to practice their religion without causing hindrance to other people.

(2.) According to him, there is a church by name 'Zion Prayer Church', affiliated to 'Believer Church' of Yadapadvan Village, Ziper Post, South Kanara, Mangalore, which church is in existence for last 10 years with 350 people of Christian community situated in Naraspura Village, Rajannashrilyur Post, Halebeddu Hobli, Belur Taluk, Hassan District.

(3.) According to him to profess, practice and propagate his religion of choice; is right a guaranteed under Article- 25 of the Constitution of India. Though he conduct prayers as well as teach Bible in a rented premises and also in the church premises without causing hindrance to neighbors, the revenue authorities along with Police are preventing the people from practicing their religion and a notice has been issued by the Tahsildhar to remove the structure in existence as per Annexure-A to H1. Therefore, the petition is filed to direct the respondents not to interfere with the religious worship in 'Zion Prayer Church' or any other rented prayer hall in the Narasipura Village, Halebeedu Hobli, Belur Taluk, Hassan District and also to issue directions to investigate into the incident occurred on 26.06.2013, on which date the thatched shed constructed by the petitioner has been burnt to ashes.