Dispute Over Prayer Shed Near Mumbai Airport... Government Says There Are 3 Mosques Nearby
The Bombay High Court heard a case regarding the removal of a prayer shed for Muslim drivers near Mumbai Airport, with the government stating that there are sufficient nearby mosques for worship.
The Bombay High Court reviewed a case concerning the removal of a prayer shed intended for Muslim drivers near Terminal 1 of Mumbai Airport. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) argued that the presence of at least three mosques in proximity negates the need for a dedicated prayer facility. The government's lawyer emphasized that the nearest mosque is between 5 to 10 minutes away by foot, suggesting that drivers can easily park their vehicles and walk to the mosques for prayer.
Arguments presented during the hearings included the stance of additional government lawyer Jyoti Chavan, who stated that demanding special facilities cannot be justified in every instance. The airport operator's representative, Vikram Nankani, contested this by pointing out that the closest mosque, as per Google Maps, is a 13-minute walk away, with others being 18 minutes and farther. He challenged the assumption that a 13-minute walk would be detrimental to the drivers, highlighting the practicality of reaching the mosques on foot.
The case reflects ongoing tensions in urban planning and community needs, where local regulations and religious practices often intersect. The MMRDA's position emphasizes a broader trend of prioritizing accessibility and harmony in public spaces. The outcome of this case could set precedents regarding the treatment of similar requests for religious accommodations within rapidly developing urban environments such as Mumbai, where the balance between development and community needs regularly triggers legal scrutiny.