Rajratna Ambedkar Criticises Lower Court Notice to Ajmer Dargah as Insult to Constitution

Rajratna Ambedkar, a descendant of BR Ambedkar, criticised lower courts for accepting petitions that violate the Places of Worship Act. He called this an affront to the Constitution. During a press conference organised by the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) in Ajmer, he warned that if this continues, they will file petitions to uncover Buddhist heritage sites beneath temples.

On November 20, an Ajmer court issued notices to the Ajmer Dargah committee, the Minority Affairs Ministry, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). This was in response to a petition claiming that the dargah was built over a Shiva temple. The court will hear the case again on December 20. Ambedkar expressed concern over such petitions, stating they challenge constitutional principles.

Constitutional Concerns and Potential Actions

Ambedkar emphasised that despite the Places of Worship Act 1991, accepting such pleas is disrespectful to the Constitution. He accused the judiciary of attempting to undermine constitutional values. If investigations into places of worship proceed, Ambedkar plans to file petitions to reveal Buddhist sites beneath temples.

He claimed archaeological experts have identified Buddhist remains 12 feet below Gujarat's Somnath Temple. Ambedkar stated that if the Indian government does not clarify its stance soon, they will seek an investigation. He mentioned having evidence for both Somnath Temple and Balaji Temple in Tirupati.

SDPI's Stand on Secular Principles

Yasmin Farooqui, SDPI's national general secretary, described the Ajmer court petition as a challenge to India's secular principles. She called it a test for Dr Ambedkar's Constitution and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure justice. Millions of Khwaja Sahib's followers await his response.

Farooqui urged Modi to condemn actions by Hindu Sena and petitioner Vishnu Gupta. She stressed this moment as crucial for reaffirming justice and inclusivity, reflecting Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti's values of peace and unity. Farooqui highlighted Modi's tradition of sending a chadar to Ajmer Dargah during Urs as an opportunity to uphold secular values.

This situation presents a significant test for Prime Minister Modi's commitment to secular principles enshrined in the Constitution. The outcome could influence how India's diverse communities perceive their place within the nation's fabric.