A local court has admitted a petition claiming that the revered Ajmer Sharif Dargah, a prominent Sufi dargah, stands on the remnants of an ancient Shiva temple.
The petition, filed by members of a right-wing organization, has sparked a heated debate among legal experts, historians, and religious communities.
The petitioners have requested the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to survey the site, asserting that historical records and architectural evidence could support their claims.
They argue that the site’s origins should be verified through scientific investigation, drawing comparisons to similar disputes in Ayodhya and Varanasi.
If proven to have been a temple, the petitioners seek enforcement of Hindu worship rights at the site.
Representatives of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, however, have strongly opposed the allegations, calling the move politically motivated and a threat to communal harmony.
“Ajmer Sharif represents unity and interfaith harmony. These claims are baseless and aim to disrupt peace,” said Syed Salman Chishti, a caretaker of the dargah.
Established in the 12th century during the Delhi Sultanate era, the dargah is the burial site of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, a Sufi saint known for his teachings on inclusivity and tolerance. The dargah has long been a symbol of communal unity, attracting pilgrims of all faiths.
Legal experts have highlighted potential implications of the case, pointing to the **Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991**, which prohibits altering the religious character of any site as it stood on August 15, 1947. “The court’s decision to admit the petition raises questions about the scope of this law and could set a significant precedent,” noted constitutional lawyer Faizan Mirza.
Locals and devotees have expressed concerns about the case’s divisive nature. “Ajmer Sharif has always been a shared space for people of all faiths. Such claims only create unnecessary divisions,” said a devotee at the dargah.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for early December, directing both parties to submit evidence. If deemed necessary, the ASI may conduct a preliminary investigation into the claims.