13 Lucknow university students served notices for offering namaz at Lal Baradari

Authorities have issued notices to 13 students of Lucknow University in Uttar Pradesh for offering namaz at Lal Baradari, a Mughal-era structure on campus. The students have been directed to furnish a personal bond of Rs 50,000 along with two sureties of Rs 50,000 each.

Citing a challan report from Hasanganj police station, the administration said the prayers created tension on campus and that future disturbance to public peace could not be ruled out. The Executive Magistrate has ordered the students to submit the personal bonds as a guarantee of maintaining peace and law and order for one year.

The notices come amid student protests after the university fenced off Lal Baradari, citing safety concerns. Student groups said the move effectively restricted access for Muslim students who offer prayers inside the structure during Ramzan. Protests began on Sunday after Zuhr prayers as fencing work commenced amid heavy police deployment.

Members of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) and the Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha gathered at the site, calling the action unauthorized and demanding restoration of access.