Ajmer Dargah's 'no liability' notice draws flak from Muslim groups

AJMER: A public notice issued by the nazim (chief executive officer) of Ajmer Dargah disowning responsibility for accidents caused by dilapidated structures within the shrine complex, has triggered widespread anger among Muslim organisations and the community's religious heads.

The notice, dated July 21, was pasted inside Dargah premises, warning devotees to avoid old or structurally weak buildings that may collapse during heavy rains. It stated, "In case of any accident or untoward incident, the individual will be solely responsible. The nazim office will not accept any legal liability."

The language and tone of the notice have been condemned by organisations from Delhi to Hyderabad, including the Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, All India Muslim Council and the Muslim Progressive Front (Rajasthan). Several groups have demanded an immediate withdrawal of the notice and called on the ministry of minority affairs to launch an inquiry into the matter.

TOI texted and called Nazim Bilal Khan for a statement, but received no response. The Ajmer Dargah Committee functions under the ministry of minority affairs and the episode has renewed calls for greater accountability, transparency and professional oversight in the management of India's major religious heritage sites.

Sohail Khandwani, managing trustee of Haji Ali and Mahim Dargah in Mumbai, who is currently overseeing renovation work at Haji Ali, expressed dismay: "I came across the letter. I was shocked to learn that the nazim hasn't even identified which buildings are structurally unsafe, nor have any warning signs been placed. Simply issuing a letter will spark fear among devotees."

The Dargah receives 20,000 devotees on normal days, which jumps up to a lakh on Thursdays and Fridays.

Syed Nadeem Hasan Nizami, chief in-charge of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah in Delhi, called the notice a "hallmark of shamelessness and administrative negligence." He said, "Asking devotees to survey the complex, identify weak structures and then decide whether to proceed with ziyarat (visit the shrine) is absurd. What exactly is the Dargah nazim's role then? He should resign. I appeal to PM Narendra Modi to appoint qualified professionals with experience in management, auditing and public safety."

The notice follows incidents of roof collapse and water seepage in at least three mosques within the Dargah complex in the past week.