Petitions filed in the high court over alleged violations of principles of natural justice; residents claim they were denied a fair opportunity to present their case
JAIPUR/BARMER — The demolition of several mosques in Rajasthan’s border districts of Barmer and Bikaner has triggered widespread concern and protests, with members of both Hindu and Muslim communities joining hands to question the manner in which the action was carried out.
The controversy centres on the demolition of around 12 mosques located in villages near the India-Pakistan international border. The action, carried out between 18 and 20 June, was part of an alleged anti-encroachment drive in areas falling within 15 kilometres of the international boundary.
While the Rajasthan government has defended the demolitions on grounds of national security and alleged encroachment on government land, locals have accused the authorities of acting without providing adequate notice or an opportunity to respond.
The dispute has now reached the Rajasthan High Court, where affected residents have challenged the demolitions and alleged violations of principles of natural justice.
According to the petition filed before the high court, nearly a dozen mosques in villages across Barmer and Bikaner districts were demolished over three days. Residents claim that they were not given sufficient time to present documents, file objections or seek legal remedies before the structures were removed.
Local people said they were shocked by the speed of the operation and questioned why authorities did not engage with villagers before taking such a major step.
Abdul Sindhi, a resident of Siyai village, said the community was denied a reasonable opportunity to address any concerns raised by the administration.
“At least we should have been informed properly beforehand. If there was any deficiency, we could have corrected it. We were even prepared to pay any penalty if required,” he said.
Many villagers argue that regardless of whether questions existed regarding land ownership or permissions, authorities should have followed a transparent process and allowed affected people to present their side.
Among the demolished structures was a mosque in Kerkori village in Barmer district. Local cleric Hishamuddin Sindhi said the mosque was an important place of worship for residents of the surrounding villages.
“We built this mosque with great effort and community support. It was the only mosque within a radius of around ten kilometres. Now it has been demolished. People are asking where they will go to offer prayers,” he said.
Residents described the mosque not only as a place of worship but also as a centre where villagers gathered during religious occasions and community events.
Several locals expressed concern about the impact the demolition could have on daily religious life in remote rural areas where alternative facilities are limited.
One of the most notable aspects of the controversy has been the unity shown by members of different communities. Following the demolitions, protests were organised in several areas of Barmer district under the banner of Sarv Dharma Shanti Sabha.
Hindu and Muslim residents participated together in marches and demonstrations before submitting a memorandum to district authorities.
Protesters said their objection was not only about the demolition of mosques but also about what they described as the lack of due process and consultation.
Many participants emphasised that administrative actions should be carried out fairly and transparently, regardless of the religion of those affected.
Local Hindu residents publicly supported affected Muslim families and joined calls for a fair hearing. Harla Ram Meghwal, a resident of the area, said communities had stood together during the difficult period following the demolitions.
“When Muslim families stopped cooking food as part of their protest, people from our community arranged meals for them. We felt it was important to stand with our neighbours in a difficult time,” he said.
His remarks have been widely shared locally as an example of communal harmony at a time when tensions could have escalated.
Several community leaders stated that the issue should not be viewed through a religious lens, but rather as a question of administrative fairness and equal treatment.
Paradiya village Sarpanch Sorta Ram Meghwal also questioned the manner in which the operation was conducted. He said that if the government’s objective was genuinely to remove encroachments, authorities should ensure that action is taken uniformly against all illegal constructions, irrespective of who owns them.
“There should be no impression that action is being directed against any particular group or section of society. Rules must apply equally to everyone,” he said.
His comments reflected concerns raised by several locals who demanded greater transparency regarding the criteria used to identify structures targeted for demolition.
Affected residents have approached the Rajasthan High Court seeking legal relief. In their petition, they argue that the authorities failed to provide adequate notice before carrying out the demolitions.
The petition states that the action violated established principles of natural justice, under which affected individuals must be given a fair opportunity to present their case before adverse action is taken.
The matter is scheduled to come up for hearing before the court on Tuesday (7 July).
Legal experts say the case could focus on whether due process requirements were properly followed and whether residents were given sufficient opportunity to respond to notices, if any were issued.
As criticism of the demolitions intensified, the BJP-led Rajasthan government defended the action. The government said the operation was linked to national security considerations in sensitive border areas.
Officials cited a directive reportedly issued by the Union Home Ministry on 27 May regarding action against unauthorised constructions within 15 kilometres of the international border.
Authorities also maintained that the land on which the demolished mosques stood was classified as gochar land (grazing land), where construction is not permitted.
The state government further argued that prior permission is mandatory for any construction activity in border regions and that the action was carried out in accordance with applicable rules.
The controversy has generated debate across Rajasthan over the balance between national security, land regulations and the rights of local communities. While the government maintains that the demolitions were legally justified, residents and community leaders continue to insist that they should have been given a meaningful chance to respond before places of worship were removed.
The upcoming court hearing will be closely watched by legal observers, community organisations and political parties, as it may determine whether the authorities followed due process in carrying out the demolitions and whether any further relief will be granted to the affected residents.
For now, the issue has brought Hindus and Muslims together in several border villages, where residents say their demand is not only about religious structures but also about fairness, consultation and equal treatment under the law.
