MP HC Directs State To Decide Church’s 1,000–1,500-Person Leadership Camp Request Promptly, Considering Conditions To Address Law-And-Order Concerns

The petitioner, a registered society, sought permission to hold a Leadership Training Camp at its premises, with an expected attendance of 1,000–1,500 people.

It stated that it had organised similar camps for over ten years, was willing to make its own security arrangements, and would comply with reasonable conditions.

The State had declined permission, citing law-and-order concerns and the police’s inability to provide personnel during Diwali.

The petitioner challenged that decision under Article 226 of the Constitution.

The State submitted that conditions and undertakings could be used to safeguard public order.

The Court exercised its jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution of India.

It applied the principle that a competent authority may impose reasonable and lawful conditions to maintain public order, safety and security, but those conditions must be proportionate to the proposed activity and must not unnecessarily impede its peaceful conduct.

No specific statute or precedent was cited.

Given the petitioner’s willingness to comply with reasonable conditions and furnish an undertaking, the Court considered that the identified law-and-order concerns could be addressed through conditions rather than by refusing permission outright.

It therefore directed the competent authority to consider the request and, if it required an undertaking, to call for an affidavit from a responsible office-bearer.

The Court did not decide the merits of the challenge to the refusal order.

The State authorities, particularly the competent authority, were directed to decide the permission request forthwith, having regard to the programme dates, and communicate the decision without delay.

The petitioner must comply with all conditions imposed; violations may entail consequences in accordance with law.