Chennai, December 19, 2016: The Madras High Court on Monday declared that a Shariat court cannot function from the Makkah Masjid a mosque here, said a senior advocate.

The court also ordered the state government to ensure that such a court does not function and file a status report.

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The court passed the order after hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a Non-Resident Indian (NRI), Abdur Rahman, senior advocate A. Sirajudeen told IANS.

The Makkah Masjid is located on Anna Salai, Chennai's main arterial street.

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According to the petitioner, the Shariat Council was functioning like a court.

The High Court made it clear that religious places are meant to be used only for religious purposes.

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The petitioner approached the Shariat Council first so that he can live again with his wife. But he was forced to give a divorce and hence he decided to approach the High Court, Sirajudeen said. (IANS)