The Supreme Court on Monday, 17 November 2025, dismissed a petition seeking restoration of civilian access to the Masjid-E-Aalishaan, a mosque located within the military quarters in Chennai, ruling that security considerations outweigh the demand for public entry.
A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta refused to interfere with the April 2025 decision of a Madras High Court division bench, which had upheld the Army’s administrative order restricting civilians from entering the mosque.
“How can we allow that?” Supreme Court declines plea
During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner argued that civilians had been permitted to offer prayers at the mosque since 1877 and that restrictions were imposed only during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Supreme Court was, however, unconvinced.
The Bench remarked, “There are security issues and so many things. How can we allow that?” while rejecting the special leave petition.
Army’s decision upheld by High Court earlier
Before the High Court, the petitioner had contended that the Army abruptly discontinued civilian access without valid justification. The division bench, however, pointed to the Station Commander’s communication in June 2021, where the request for entry was verbally declined and it was clarified that:
- The mosque is primarily meant for Army personnel
- Outsiders cannot be allowed inside under the Cantonment Land Administration Rules, 1937
The High Court held that decisions concerning access to a sensitive Defence installation fall squarely within the Army administration’s discretion and refused to intervene.
Supreme Court affirms the High Court’s reasoning
Agreeing with this view, the dismissed the plea and reaffirmed that security concerns govern entry into cantonment spaces.
The ruling effectively maintains the Army’s restrictions on civilian entry to Masjid-E-Aalishaan, bringing an end to the petitioner’s challenge.