The Ajmer court’s decision to hear a petition about a possible Shiva temple under the Ajmer dargah has sparked significant political and social debate. Union Minister Giriraj Singh supports the court’s survey, while critics warn this may incite religious tensions. The situation relates to the 1991 Places of Worship Act, challenging India’s pluralistic identity.
Jaipur: The Ajmer court’s decision to hear a petition claiming the presence of a Shiva temple beneath the Ajmer dargah has ignited political and social discourse. The controversy follows similar claims involving mosques and dargahs in Varanasi, Mathura, and Dhar.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh defended the decision, saying, “A court has ordered a survey in Ajmer. What is the problem if the court has ordered a survey?” He pointed to historical instances of temple demolitions during the Mughal era, adding,
“If Nehru would have stopped it in 1947 itself, there would have been no need to approach the court today.”
The Legal Backdrop
The debate is tied to the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which mandates maintaining the status quo of all religious sites as of August 15, 1947, except Ayodhya. However, in 2023, the Supreme Court allowed a survey at the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi. Then-Chief Justice DY Chandrachud stated that the Act does not prevent determining the religious character of a place of worship.
Critics argue that such judgments have created a pathway for similar petitions. “Thanks to a former Chief Justice of India, a Pandora’s box has been opened, sparking a contentious debate about minority religious places,” said Mehbooba Mufti, PDP chief and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister.
Political Reactions
Leaders across the political spectrum voiced concerns about the potential impact of such claims.
- Kapil Sibal, Rajya Sabha MP, questioned the direction of the country, saying, “Worrisome. The latest claim: Shiv Temple at Ajmer Dargah. Where are we taking this country? And why? For political dividends!”
- AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi emphasized adherence to the 1991 Act, arguing that doing so ensures governance by the Constitution.
- Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad criticized the petitions, contending that they distract from pressing national issues.
A Historical Perspective
The Ajmer dargah, dedicated to Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, is a significant religious site for millions. Built during the Mughal era, the shrine’s mosques were added by emperors Akbar and Shah Jahan.
The current petitioner, Hindu Sena chief Vishnu Gupta, claims the dargah was originally a Sankat Mochan Mahadev Temple and is seeking its recognition as such. Gupta has demanded a survey by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the cancellation of any registration held by the dargah.
“If the dargah has any kind of registration, then it should be cancelled. Its survey should be done through ASI, and Hindus should be given the right to worship there,”
he was quoted as saying.
A Growing Divide?
Critics argue that these claims stoke religious tensions.
“These things are very painful. Some people want to target a particular community to please the majority,”
said Samajwadi Party MP Mohibbullah Nadvi.
As the controversy unfolds, it highlights the delicate balance between legal proceedings, historical narratives, and societal harmony. The Ajmer dargah remains a focal point of debate, with both sides voicing concerns about the implications for India’s pluralistic identity.
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