A Rajasthan court has issued a notice in response to a suit claiming that the Ajmer Dargah, a revered Sufi shrine, was originally a Shiva temple. The court sought replies from the involved parties to examine the matter further.
Background:
The claim, brought by certain individuals, asserts that the site of the Ajmer Dargah once housed a Shiva temple before being converted into a Sufi shrine. They have requested legal recognition of the site’s alleged original status and permission for Hindu rituals to be conducted there. The suit has stirred controversy, with various community groups opposing the claim, emphasizing the Dargah’s significance as a historic place of interfaith harmony.
Court’s Rationale:
The Rajasthan court, while not making any determination on the merits of the case, has issued notices to the concerned parties, including the Dargah Committee, to provide their responses. This procedural step is intended to gather all relevant information and perspectives before deciding whether the case warrants a detailed hearing.
Existing Measures:
India’s Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, prohibits the conversion of any religious site’s character as it existed on August 15, 1947. The Act aims to maintain communal harmony and prevent disputes over places of worship.
Conclusion:
The issuance of a notice by the Rajasthan court highlights the judiciary’s role in addressing sensitive matters involving historical and religious claims. As the case progresses, it is likely to attract significant public and legal scrutiny, with implications for communal relations and legal interpretations of the Places of Worship Act.