Ajmer Dargah Dispute Final Hearing Scheduled for Saturday.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have submitted their official replies before the court in connection with the ongoing Ajmer Dargah dispute. These responses come ahead of the final hearing scheduled for Saturday. The case, which involves sensitive religious and historical matters, has garnered significant public and legal attention. The court had earlier sought clarifications from both bodies to better understand the jurisdiction and preservation concerns surrounding the revered Sufi shrine.
Ajmer, Rajasthan – A case that has stirred both religious sentiments and legal curiosity is approaching a significant juncture. Of devotees each year, regardless of faith.
The case, filed by Hindu Sena National President Vishnu Gupta, alleges that the historic dargah, the resting place of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, was constructed over the ruins of a demolished Hindu temple. As both sides prepare to present their final arguments, the court’s decision could have far-reaching implications—not just for the shrine but for the larger debate over religious heritage and historical narratives in India.
What Is the Dispute?The controversy began when Vishnu Gupta submitted a petition to the court, asserting that the current Dargah complex stands on the original site of a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. His claims are supported by architectural observations, historical references, and symbolic features that he believes are indicative of a pre-existing temple.
According to Gupta, the Buland Darwaza—one of the prominent gateways in the complex—features carvings and stylistic elements that are typically found in Hindu temples. He also points to the presence of water structures such as kunds (traditional water reservoirs) that are often associated with Shiva temples. Furthermore, Gupta claims that the dome structures and upper architectural sections bear similarities to temple architecture, reinforcing his contention that the dargah is built atop the ancient Sankat Mochan Mahadev Mandir.
One of the pivotal pieces of evidence cited in the petition is a 1911 publication titled Ajmer: Historical and Descriptive by retired judge Harbilas Sarda. He also speculates that a Jain temple may have previously existed in what is now considered the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine.
The court proceedings have seen several developments. On May 31, the court heard initial arguments and signaled that the first matter of business would be to decide whether Gupta’s petition is legally maintainable. This includes evaluating whether the claims are substantial enough under existing laws and whether such a case can proceed in civil court.
These replies were in response to the stay application filed by Gupta, who had requested that all government departments be prohibited from offering chadar—a ceremonial cloth—at the dargah during the pendency of the case.
They argue that the petition is rooted in speculation rather than factual evidence and risks disrupting communal harmony. The Anjuman Committee, which also oversees the functioning of the dargah, has taken the matter to the Rajasthan High Court, urging for judicial intervention to protect the religious sanctity of the site.
As the final hearing looms, sentiments are running high in Ajmer and beyond. The shrine, a symbol of spiritual unity and devotion, has historically been a place where people from all communities come to seek blessings. Any attempt to question its origins inevitably touches a nerve among its followers.
Legal experts say the court is likely to take a cautious and methodical approach. If the court finds that the case lacks sufficient basis to proceed, it could be dismissed outright,” said a retired High Court judge familiar with similar disputes. “However, if the court admits the petition and agrees to further hearings, it may open the door for archaeological assessments and further scrutiny.”
Religious leaders from both Hindu and Muslim communities have urged calm and restraint ahead of the verdict. “The courts are the best forum to address such matters,” said a spokesperson from the Anjuman Committee. “Let the law take its course.”
The Larger ImplicationsThis case joins a growing list of disputes involving contested religious sites in India, including the Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi case and ongoing discussions around Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and the Qutub Minar complex in Delhi. While each case has its own historical context, they collectively highlight the complex relationship between religion, heritage, and identity in the country.
For the people of Ajmer, the final hearing is not just a legal formality—it’s a moment filled with anticipation, uncertainty, and a hope that peace and truth will prevail.
As the Ajmer Civil Court prepares to deliver its crucial judgment, all eyes will be on what direction the case takes next. Will the petition be deemed legally valid? Will deeper archaeological investigations be ordered? Or will the court decide that the matter rests more in history than in law?
Saturday’s hearing may not be the final chapter in this saga, but it could very well shape the story’s future.