Tirmidhi

784. Commentary: That is, when different people are gathered and the ruler or governor is also present, then without distinction, no one can lead the prayer without his permission. This is the very purpose that Imam Sahib rahimahullah seems to derive from the chapter heading (tarjamat al-bab). However, this applies only when the ruler is religious and adheres to the Shari‘ah; the leadership (imamate) of a sinful (fasiq) ruler is not intended here, because the application of the discussed principles, regulations, and issues is only possible when the society is Islamic and the ruler is religious. Some have understood «فِي سُلْطَانِهِ» to refer to anyone’s sphere of authority, and have not taken the well-known meaning of sovereignty or rulership; thus, not only the ruler or person in power is meant by this. And Allah knows best.