Delhi High Court restrains Centre from demolishing structures in Ajmer Sharif Dargah sans hearing

The court also directed the Centre to expedite the formation of the Dargah Committee as contemplated under the Dargah Khawaja Sahib Act, 1955.

“The respondent no. 1 shall expedite the formation of the Dargah Committee as contemplated under the Act, 1955, inter alia, under Sections 4 and 5 thereof. Let the same be done as expeditiously as possible to obviate the present state of affairs,” the court said.

Case

The order came on a plea filed by Syed Meharaj Miya, a Khadim of the dargah, who had challenged the notice issued by the Ministry of Minority Affairs dated November 22 regarding removal of all “unauthorised, unapproved and illegal encroachments” in the dargah premises.

Shadan Farasat, senior counsel for the petitioner, had primarily raised two grievances. Firstly, it was contended that sweeping administrative actions, which infringe upon the fundamental rights of a large section of persons engaged/acting in different capacities in the Dargah, are being taken unilaterally by the Nazim, which was in contravention with the Dargah Khawaja Sahib Act, 1955.

It was submitted that according to the statutory provisions, all administrative powers are vested exclusively in the Dargah Committee, and not the Nazim.

It was further argued that the actions have been undertaken in complete disregard of the principles of natural justice, without affording an opportunity of hearing to the affected persons.

The court has sought a reply within four weeks. It has listed the matter for further hearing on February 23, 2026.