Rajasthan High Court dismisses petitions opposing demolition of illegal mosques and dargahs along the India–Pakistan border

(A dargah is a shrine built over the grave of a purported Muslim saint.)

Jaipur (Rajasthan): The Rajasthan High Court has dismissed petitions challenging the decision to demolish various illegal mosques, madrasas, and dargahs located within 50 kilometres of the India–Pakistan border.

The Court observed:

1. Any attempt to give this action a religious colour is wholly erroneous and unsupported by facts.

2. Notices were issued to all structures, without reference to any particular community. Therefore, it must be clearly understood that the present issue concerns national security and regulatory compliance, not religious discrimination.

3. Prima facie, the structures were unauthorized, as no permission had ever been obtained for their construction under the provisions of the Rajasthan Religious Buildings and Places Act.

4. The issues relating to ownership, title, control, and land use concerning these properties remain disputed.

5. Although the petitioners had been served with show-cause notices, they chose not to participate in the statutory proceedings. Having failed to participate in the statutory process, they cannot now be permitted to invoke the Court’s jurisdiction on the ground of an alleged violation of the principles of natural justice.

6. Every citizen is aware that when the nation’s security is at stake, strict measures undertaken in the interest of defence must be accepted. Since these properties are situated close to the international border, greater vigilance is necessary.