Legal battles over the ownership and identity of historical religious sites are fueling communal tensions across the country. As courts entertain petitions to reclassify iconic places of worship, the resulting unrest threatens to destabilize communities and strain decades-old interfaith harmony. The need for measured dialogue and adherence to the law has never been more urgent.
By PC Bureau
In what could be a precursor to a massive communal flare up, a Rajasthan court on Wednesday admitted a petition filed by Hindu Sena chief Vishnu Gupta, asserting that the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, a revered Sufi shrine, is actually a Shiva temple.
The Civil Judge, Manmohan Chandel, issued notices to the Ajmer Dargah Committee, the Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), directing them to respond to the claims.
The case, filed in September, seeks to declare the dargah as the “Sankat Mochan Mahadev Temple” and demands the reinstatement of Hindu worship at the site. The plaintiff has also requested an ASI-led survey to verify the historical and religious significance of the location.
Advocate Yogesh Siroja, representing Gupta, stated that the petition calls for the cancellation of any registrations associated with the dargah and the granting of worship rights to Hindus. “Our demand is for the Ajmer dargah to be recognized as the Sankat Mochan Mahadev Temple, with a survey conducted by the ASI and the right of worship restored to Hindus,” Gupta emphasized.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for December 20.
The development has sparked strong political reactions. AAP MP Sanjay Singh urged the Supreme Court to intervene, referencing the 1991 Places of Worship Act, which protects the status of religious structures as they stood on August 15, 1947.
“The Supreme Court must take immediate action. If precedents of claiming mosques beneath temples or temples beneath mosques continue, the country will descend into chaos. This divisive agenda is being driven by PM Modi and the BJP, whom I now call the Bharatiya Jhagda Party,” Singh remarked.
The case comes amidst heightened tensions following violence in Sambhal, where a court-ordered survey of a mosque allegedly built over an ancient temple led to clashes. The violence resulted in four deaths and several injuries, including to police personnel, adding to the growing concerns about religious and communal harmony in the country.
The Ajmer Sharif Dargah remains a significant spiritual and cultural site for millions, and this legal dispute raises questions about its future amidst mounting political and religious tensions.
