Bombay HC Allows Women’s Entry to Inner Sanctum of Haji Ali Dargah

The ban had been defended by saying that close proximity of women to the dargah of a male saint was a grievous sin.

The ban said women’s close proximity to the dargah of a male saint is a grievous sin. (Photo: Reuters)

In what is a big win for women devotees, the Bombay High Court on Friday allowed women’s entry into the Haji Ali Dargah’s inner sanctum.

The court added that it will give “necessary protection” to the respondents.

The decision comes after a PIL challenging the ban stated that gender justice is inherent in the Quran, and the decision contravenes the Hadith, which says that there is no prohibition on women visiting graves.

The Dargah’s trust had earlier defended its stand saying that it is referred in the Quran that allowing women’s close proximity to the dargah of a male saint is a grievous sin.

Earlier in May, activist Trupti Desai entered the dargah, after her group had been advocating for women’s rights to enter shrines that excluded women since 2010, but was disallowed from inner sanctum.

This is a historic decision. We welcome the High Court order, as it is a big win for women.

Trupti Desai

The High Court has said that the gender-discriminatory ban is in violation of Articles 14, 15 and 21 of the Constitution. It also said that the State and Haji Ali Trust need to ensure security for women devotees.

Very happy, this is a great step towards justice for Muslim women.

Zakia Soman, Petitioner

It is a very good and logical judgement. When women can go near the holy Kaaba sanctum, then why are there restrictions at other places?

Hina Zaheer, UP’s First Woman Qazi

According to News 18, the Haji Ali Trust has been given 6 weeks to approach the Supreme Court to challenge the order.

The High Court said the ban on women is unconstitutional. The Dargah Trust has said they will approach the Supreme Court.

Raju More, Petitioner’s lawyer

High Court should not have interfered but now that they have given a decision against us (the Trust). We will approach the Supreme Court now.

Haji Rafat, MIM

There are boundaries for women in Sharia law. People need to know that before they interfere. It has become a political game now.

Maulana Sajid Rashidi

Fight Dates Back to 2012

Women were banned from entering the revered Haji Ali Dargah since June 2012. In November 2014, the Bhartiya Muslim Mahila Andolan (BMMA) challenged the ban and took the Haji Ali trust to court.

The Bhartiya Muslim Mahila Andolan (BMMA) is a 35,000 strong women’s group founded by Noorjehan Fiaz and Zakia Soman.

Also Read:
Activist Trupti Desai Offers Prayers At Haji Ali Dargah
Bhumata Brigade Takes Aim at Haji Ali For Women’s Entry
Haji Ali? Check. Trupti Desai Eyes the RSS Old Boys Club Next

With inputs from ANI