Ajmer Court Issues Notices in Shiva Temple Claim Case

An Ajmer court has ordered the issuance of notices to three parties in response to a petition claiming the presence of a Shiva temple within the Ajmer Dargah. The concerned parties include the Dargah Committee, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and the Ministry of Minority Affairs.

Syed Naseruddin Chishty, Chairman of the All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council, expressed concern over the increasing instances of groups claiming ownership of mosques and dargahs. He emphasized the detrimental impact of such controversies on society and the nation's progress.

Chishty urged the Central Government to intervene and establish a legal framework to prevent such claims on religious institutions. He cited the statement of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in 2022, questioning the continuous discovery of Shivalayas in mosques, and expressed his agreement with the sentiment.

This development follows a similar incident in Uttar Pradesh, where a survey team faced stone-pelting during an examination of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal district. The survey was prompted by a petition claiming the mosque was originally a temple. The incident resulted in the tragic loss of four lives and injuries to several individuals.