Is the Ajmer Dargah Temple Claim Facing Delays?
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Synopsis
The ongoing legal battle over the existence of a Shiva temple within the Ajmer Dargah premises has taken a new turn as the court hearing scheduled for this week has been postponed. With the next date set for August 30, tensions rise as various parties prepare to make their cases heard.
Key Takeaways
- Next hearing set for August 30
- Vishnu Gupta claims historical evidence
- Legal discussions on the Places of Worship Act
- Increased police presence for safety
- Multiple parties involved in the case
Jaipur, July 19 (NationPress) The civil court has postponed the hearing concerning a Shiva temple allegedly located within the Ajmer Dargah grounds. The next court session is set for August 30. In light of the upcoming proceedings, a heightened police presence has been established at the court and the Civil Lines Police Station. Attorney Yogendra Ojha noted that the delay was due to the absence of the judicial officer and a mass leave taken by court staff.
Ojha confirmed that previous applications from the Dargah Committee and the Minority Affairs Department have been filed and will be addressed in the next session.
The case was initiated by Vishnu Gupta, the National President of Hindu Sena and a Delhi resident, who is requesting the right to worship at the Sankat Mochan Shiva Temple which he asserts is situated within the Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti.
Representatives for both the Dargah Committee and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have submitted separate motions indicating that Gupta did not adhere to necessary legal protocols prior to filing his lawsuit. Gupta claims to possess an ancient Sanskrit text, 'Prithviraj Vijay', dated 1250 AD, which purportedly documents the historical existence of a Shiva temple in Ajmer.
Gupta intends to present this book along with its Hindi translation in court. He also argued under the Places of Worship Act, asserting that Ajmer Dargah is categorized as an 'authorized religious place', thus exempting it from the Act.
Gupta has enlisted the support of Supreme Court attorney Varun Kumar Sena, who has previously argued on this law and is expected to provide further evidence. Due to safety issues, Gupta has been granted police protection as per the orders of SP Vandita Rana.
The civil court accepted Gupta's petition on November 27, 2024, issuing notices to the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Dargah Committee Ajmer, and ASI. Various parties, including the Anjuman Committee and Dargah Diwan Ghulam Dastagir Ajmer, have since filed applications to join the case.
As of January 24, two hearings have occurred. Gupta has also referenced the 1911 publication, 'Ajmer: Historical and Descriptive', authored by retired judge Harbilas Sarda, which claims that temple debris was utilized in the construction of the Dargah and that a Jain temple once existed in the sanctum sanctorum and surrounding areas.
Point of View
It's crucial to approach the Ajmer Dargah temple claim with an impartial lens. This situation highlights the delicate balance between historical narratives and contemporary religious sentiments. The ongoing hearings underscore the importance of respectful dialogue and legal processes in resolving such disputes, ensuring that the voices of all stakeholders are heard in a fair manner.
NationPress
19/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the Ajmer Dargah temple claim?
The hearing regarding the claim of a Shiva temple within the Ajmer Dargah premises has been postponed, with the next date set for August 30.
Who filed the petition regarding the temple claim?
The petition was filed by Vishnu Gupta, the National President of Hindu Sena, who is seeking the right to worship at the alleged temple.
What historical evidence is being presented?
Gupta claims to have the ancient Sanskrit text 'Prithviraj Vijay', which he asserts documents the historical presence of a Shiva temple in Ajmer.
What legal arguments are being made?
Gupta argues that the Ajmer Dargah is not covered by the Places of Worship Act, as it is categorized as an 'authorized religious place'.
What safety measures have been taken for Gupta?
Due to safety concerns, Gupta has been granted police protection under the orders of SP Vandita Rana.
