Madras High Court Restrains Nama Sankeerthanam In Residential Areas Without Collector's Permission

Chennai: In a significant ruling that strikes a balance between religious practices and residential peace, the Madras High Court on Wednesday restrained the use of residential premises for reciting Nama Sankeerthanam (group recitation of the names of deities) unless permission is granted by the district Collector.

Justice N Anand Venkatesh made the observation during the hearing of a writ petition filed by Prakash Ramachandran, a resident of Chromepet in Chengalpattu district, adjoining Chennai.

The petitioner had raised concerns over disturbances caused by the recitation of Nama Sankeerthanam by a private organisation, Global Organisation for Divinity (GOD), which had set up its office in a neighbouring residential property.

The petitioner claimed the group prayer sessions created significant nuisance for the surrounding residents. While the private respondents asserted they had obtained consent from other neighbours for the recitation, they also argued that such religious activities were safeguarded under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the freedom of religion.

However, Justice Venkatesh emphasised while religious freedom is a fundamental right, it should not come at the cost of disturbing public peace. The judge remarked “peace is the best prayer, and silence is the best prayer,” adding if people understood this truth, they would not indulge in loud and disruptive religious practices that disturb others.

The judge referenced a previous ruling in which he had restrained Christian congregational prayers from being held in residential houses in Kanniyakumari district unless proper authorisation from the Collector was obtained.

"Except for the change in the name of God, all other things are the same,” Justice Venkatesh noted, reinforcing the need for religious activities to respect the sanctity of residential spaces.

The private respondents had argued reciting the names of deities through Nama Sankeerthanam helped bring peace of mind and served as a remedy for distress. However, the court ruled any form of prayer, regardless of its nature, should remain confined to the four walls of a private residence unless there is explicit permission from the authorities.