The Jodhpur Bench of the Rajasthan High Court has issued crucial directives regarding ongoing demolition actions against structures in various parts of the state. The court explicitly stated that adhering to established legal procedures is mandatory before taking any punitive or removal steps against any construction. Affected parties must be granted adequate opportunities to present their case, ensuring that no unilateral actions are rushed through. Meanwhile, the state government assured the bench that no related structures will be dismantled until a final decision is reached on the pending show-cause notices.
Hearings in the Gafour Versus State of Rajasthan Matter
These significant judicial observations were delivered on November 6 during proceedings presided over by a division bench comprising Justice Vineet Kumar Mathur and Justice Chandra Shekhar Sharma in the case titled ‘Gafour Versus State of Rajasthan and Others’. Legal representation on behalf of the affected parties was spearheaded under instructions issued by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind President Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani. The legal team featured advocates Harish Kumar Purohit and Iqbal Khan. Additional support was rendered by advocate Tahir Hakim and legal cell coordinator Professor Nisar Ahmed Ansari.
Two-Week Deadline Granted for Detailed Responses
During the court proceedings, counsel representing the appellants pointed out that the administration was executing demolition drives even before reviewing replies to issued show-cause notices. Allegations were raised that affected individuals were not being afforded proper opportunities to defend their properties. Acknowledging these concerns, the High Court granted appellants a two-week window to submit comprehensive replies. The bench mandated that once these responses are received, competent authorities must accord affected groups a fair hearing. Subsequently, all relevant records must be evaluated to pass reasoned, written orders in strict accordance with the law.
Disposal of Connected Appeals on the Same Day
On the same day, the division bench also disposed of four separate appeals. The court observed that the core facts governing these matters fall squarely within the legal framework established under the primary ‘Gafour Versus State of Rajasthan’ ruling. These connected cases encompass the mosque situated at Adarsh Nagari in Barmer bearing appeal number 1358/2026, the Manohar Mosque under appeal number 1360/2026, the appeal filed by Hasan Hussain residing in Bhariwala within Jaisalmer carrying appeal number 1365/2026, and the petition by Mustafa Khan from Malana village in Barmer registered under appeal number 1368/2026.
Allegations Surrounding the Demolition of Religious Structures
According to figures provided by Jamiat Ulama-i-Rajasthan, actions against religious establishments including mosques and shrines across border regions commenced on June 18, 2026. The organization alleged that a total of 14 mosques and shrines were razed during these operations without giving the aggrieved populace sufficient opportunity to submit their defenses.
The Legal Journey Leading to Supreme Court Intervention
Upon learning of these administrative crackdowns, Jamiat Ulama-i-Rajasthan General Secretary Maulana Abdul Wahid Khatri announced plans to provide exhaustive legal assistance to those impacted. Consequently, more than 40 petitions were filed before the Rajasthan High Court, which were subsequently dismissed on July 13, 2026. Following this dismissal, the organization approached the Supreme Court. Senior advocate Kapil Srivast... pardon, Kapil Sibal argued the matters before the apex court, successfully securing a 15-day interim stay order. In strict alignment with directions issued by the Supreme Court, fresh appeals were subsequently filed before the division bench of the Rajasthan High Court.
