Ajmer Dargah Land Dispute Hearing Postponed to August 30.
Ajmer, Rajasthan – A decades-old dispute over the land rights of the revered Ajmer Sharif Dargah continues to linger, as the Rajasthan High Court on Friday postponed the hearing on a contentious temple claim within the premises. The matter, which has deeply divided communities and sparked emotional reactions across the country, is now scheduled to be heard on August 30.
At the heart of the dispute is a claim made by a Hindu outfit, asserting that a part of the land where the Dargah stands was once home to a The Dargah, which houses the tomb of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, has been a spiritual sanctuary for millions of devotees of all faiths for centuries. The claim has been met with resistance by the Anjuman Committee, which manages the shrine, as well as numerous Islamic scholars and legal experts.
What the Court Said
The bench, citing procedural delays and the need for additional documentation from both sides, adjourned the hearing and advised all parties to maintain restraint and avoid rhetoric that could inflame tensions.
“The matter involves historical, religious, and cultural sensitivities. It is essential that any resolution be based on facts, not sentiment,” the bench observed briefly before rising.
Reactions on the Ground
News of the postponement triggered mixed reactions in Ajmer. While some welcomed the additional time for a more thorough review, others expressed frustration over the delays in settling a matter that has now become symbolic of a larger cultural debate in India.
Mohammed Saleem, a caretaker at the Dargah, shared his disappointment: “We were hoping the court would dismiss the claim outright. This place has always been a symbol of unity. Now some want to rewrite history to serve their own narrative.”
On the other side, Rajeev Shastri, a supporter of the temple claim, said, “We are not against any community. If evidence shows that a temple stood here, then the law must take its course.”
History of the Dispute
The Ajmer Dargah has stood for over 800 years and has been a key pilgrimage site for people from various faiths. Over the years, several claims have been made about possible Hindu religious structures existing on or near the site before the Dargah’s construction, though none have been legally upheld. In recent years, inspired by similar high-profile cases such as the Ram Janmabhoomi dispute in Ayodhya, groups have reignited demands for archaeological surveys and legal redress.
The current claim has its origins in a petition filed in 2021, seeking ownership rights over a portion of the Dargah’s land. The petitioner cited old records and religious texts, claiming the presence of a temple that was allegedly demolished during medieval times.
A Shrine of Unity, Now in Debate
Every year, thousands of pilgrims – Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians alike – come to pay their respects at the tomb of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, whose message of love and unity transcended religious boundaries. Bollywood stars, politicians, and common folk alike have walked barefoot into the shrine seeking blessings.
“For us, this is not just a Muslim place of worship,” said 67-year-old Rukmini Devi from Hyderabad, who has visited the Dargah every year since 1995. “I come here with my family – both Hindus and Muslims – to pray for health and peace. Why must politics divide a sacred space?”
What’s Next
Legal experts say the case could take several more months – or even years – depending on the evidence presented and whether the court permits further investigation, such as archaeological surveys. In the meantime, the court has directed both parties to refrain from any provocative statements or actions.
Security has been heightened in the surrounding areas, and community leaders have appealed for peace and mutual respect.
“We must remember the values Khwaja Garib Nawaz stood for – love, compassion, and inclusion,” said Syed Ajmal Chishti, a member of the Dargah Committee. “Let the courts decide the legal truth, but let us not lose our humanity in the process.”
As India watches closely, the next hearing on August 30 is expected to be a crucial moment in a case that is about much more than just land—it’s about the soul of a shared heritage.