Brief Summary
Female law students from Pune approached the Delhi High Court challenging restrictions preventing women from entering the sanctum sanctorum of Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah in Delhi. The petition alleged that the prohibition was discriminatory and contrary to constitutional guarantees of equality.
The petition sought directions to the Centre, Delhi Government, Delhi Police and the trust managing the shrine to frame guidelines ensuring entry of women and to declare the restriction unconstitutional. The petition relied upon developments in gender-equality jurisprudence, including the Sabarimala judgment and practices at other religious shrines permitting women’s entry.
Key Development
The Delhi High Court issued notice to the Centre, Delhi Government, Delhi Police and the trust managing the shrine and sought their response on the issue of women’s entry into the sanctum sanctorum of Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah.
Why the Matter Was Significant
The petition raised important constitutional questions concerning gender equality, freedom of religion and access to public religious places. It sought judicial examination of whether restrictions based solely on gender could withstand constitutional scrutiny.
Source: Indian Express
Original Report: Indian Express Report