The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the Central government to appoint members of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah Committee within three months [Syed Meharaj Miya v Union of India and Ors]. .The Dargah Committee is tasked with managing the affairs of the 13-century shrine but has been lying defunct since 2022. In the absence of the committee, decision related to the Dargah is taken by the Nazim and Assistant Nazim, appointed by the Central government. Justice Sachin Datta today directed the government to expedite the process of appointment of the members. "Let the process be expedited and members appointed as expeditiously as possible, preferably within 3 months," the Court said..Meanwhile, the Central government on Thursday informed the High Court that the CCTV cameras being installed in the Ajmer Sharif Dargah will not capture the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine. Central Government Standing Counsel (CGSC) Amit Tiwari appeared for the government and said that cameras are being installed to prevent instances of pickpocketing, harassment and theft. “It is clarified [by the CGSC] that the installation of CCTV cameras will not capture the sanctum sanctorum but only the public approach routes and passages leading up to the sanctum,” the Court noted in its order. .The Court was dealing with a plea filed by one Syed Meharaj Miya, the hereditary Khadim of the Dargah. Khadims are hereditary custodians of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah and are responsible for its management, opening/closing. However, the government questioned Miya's locus to file the plea. In his plea, Miya has challenged the installation of the CCTV cameras and also sought directions to the Union of India to appoint the Dargah management committee. He pointed to several alleged financial irregularities in the functioning of the office bearers at the Dargah at present and said that it was damaging the religious site’s image. “That the said anomalies in the finances of the Dargah Committee are extremely alarming and would be adversely affecting the trust and confidence of devotees/pilgrims of Sufi Saint Khawaja Sahib from across the world irrespective of faith, religion, caste, creed, ethnicity, colour or race who generously donate and deposit monetary funds either online or during their regular visit to the Dargah Ajmer Sharif,” the plea stated. .After taking the Central government’s statement on record and passing directions for the appointment of the committee, the High Court disposed of the plea. However, it granted Khadim the liberty to file a fresh plea in case another cause of action arises. .Senior Advocate Shadan Farasat and advocate Chayan Sarkar appeared for the petitioner in the case. .Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.
