Women have been banned from entering India's Jama Masjid mosque unless they're accompanied by a man, a mosque spokesperson revealed on Thursday.
"Jama Masjid is a place of worship, and people are welcome. But girls/women coming alone and waiting for their dates... this is not what this place is meant for. The restriction is on that," Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari told Indian media in a clarification.
Board On Mosque Ban
© Photo : Twitter
However, hours after the new order, Swati Maliwal, chairperson for the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), issued a notice to the mosque authority, describing the new rule as a violation of women's rights.
Sabiullah Khan, the public relations Officer for Jama Masjid, said: "The ban is to prevent women from shooting videos for social media as it disturbs the people who are there to offer namaaz. No restrictions on families or married couples."
In 2019, the mosque authority banned shooting videos with music on the mosque premises.
Meanwhile, activists took to social media to criticize the mosque authority for its decision.
Journalist Tweet On Women Entry Ban In Mosque
© Photo : Twitter
Journalist Tweet On Women Entry Ban In Mosque
© Photo : Twitter
Activist Tweet On Women Entry Ban In Mosque
© Photo : Twitter