In a recent incident in Mohammadganj village, Bareilly district, Uttar Pradesh, twelve Muslim men were detained by police for offering namaz in a vacant house, citing the absence of official permission. According to police, they received information that the unoccupied property was allegedly being used as a 'temporary madrasa' for several weeks, prompting 'precautionary action'. Superintendent of Police (South) Anshika Verma stated that conducting any new religious activity or gathering without permission is considered a violation of the law, and warned of strict action for repetitions. Preliminary investigations revealed the house belongs to one Hanif and was being temporarily used for Friday namaz, but no written permission or valid documents were presented when authorities requested them. Some villagers reportedly objected to the regular prayers, leading to police intervention. The twelve individuals detained were subsequently 'challaned under sections related to breach of peace' and later granted bail by a magistrate. Authorities are reportedly continuing efforts to trace three other persons who are absconding. The incident has sparked a wider debate among legal experts and activists concerning the scope of religious freedom and whether individuals require official permission to conduct prayers within a private residence in India.