Haji Ali Trust to Bar Men From Tomb Area, Maintain Gender Equality

An affidavit and map submitted by the trust describes its plans to construct a ‘restricted area’ around the tomb.

Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai (Photo: Reuters)

While the Haji Ali Dargah Trust has decided to allow women into the sanctum sanctorum – in accordance with the Supreme Court’s observation that women worshippers should not be discriminated against – the trust has announced that it will disallow both men and women to touch the shrine in the sanctum sanctorum, to maintain gender equality.

An affidavit and map submitted by the trust to the Supreme Court describes its plans to construct a restricted area around the tomb – “mujawar area” – where only “khadims” will be permitted to make offerings.

According to the plan, the “mujawar area” will spread over 12 square metres around the tomb.

Also Read: From 2011 to 2016: How the Controversy of Haji Ali Dargah Evolved

The new plan was reportedly cleared by the trust on 11 October in light of the Supreme Court’s observation.

The trust had earlier moved the apex body against the Bombay High Court’s verdict, which ordered the trust to revert to status quo, where prior to 2012, women were allowed into the shrine.

There are, however, questions raised by women’s rights activists if this new proposal is maintaining “status quo,” as prescribed by the High Court.

Advocate Amita, who represented the organisation fighting for women’s rights in the apex court thought the move violated the High Court order.

It (the HC order) clearly states that the position existing before 2012 – under which women could go up to the tomb – be restored. And the SC did not alter any of the HC’s findings.

(Source: Hindustan Times)