Recently, the Court in Rajasthan issued notices regarding a petition seeking the declaration of Ajmer Sharif Dargah as a Shiv temple. The petition, filed by Hindu Sena chief Vishnu Gupta, claims that the dargah is historically the “Sankat Mochan Mahadev Temple” and requests an ASI-led site survey. The Court observed that the claims raised significant questions about historical and religious significance, warranting responses from relevant authorities.
The petition was filed by Vishnu Gupta, seeking to declare the Ajmer Sharif Dargah as a Shiva temple and to reinstate Hindu Worship at the site. Gupta’s plea included demands for the cancellation of any existing registrations of the dargah, a survey by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and the granting of rights for Hindu worship at the location. In response, the Ajmer court issued notices to the Ajmer Dargah Committee, the Minority Affairs, and the ASI, requiring them to respond to the claims.
The Court presided over by the Civil Judge Manmohan Chandel, noted that the case presented sensitive and complex issues involving historical and religious claims. It acknowledged that the petition raised pertinent questions about the identity and historical significance of the site, which necessitated careful examination of evidence. The Court emphasised that the matter must be approached with due regard for the provisions of existing laws, particularly the Places of Worship (Special Provision) Act, 1991, which seeks to maintain the religious character of places of worship as it stood on August 15, 1947.
The court further observed that while historical and archaeological investigations may provide clarity, any action must ensure that communal harmony and social order are preserved. It stressed the need for all parties involved to address the claims constructively, avoiding rhetoric that could inflame tensions. The court indicated its intent to deliberate on the matter comprehensively, balancing legal, historical, and social considerations.
The Court accepted the petition for consideration and issued notices to the concerned entities, directing them to respond to the claims. The next hearing is scheduled for December 20. Meanwhile, the case has sparked reactions, with some citing the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which preserves the religious status of structures as of August 15, 1947. Critics, including AAP MP Sanjay Singh, have called for the Supreme Court’s intervention to prevent any potential communal discord from such cases.
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