Jaipur: The Rajasthan chapter of Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) has strongly condemned the issuance of eviction notices to several mosques and madrasas in Barmer district, alleging that the move violates constitutional protections, judicial directives, and principles of natural justice.
According to APCR, mosque management committees in the Gadra Road tehsil area of Barmer received notices on June 17, directing them either to vacate the premises by June 18 or appear before the tehsil office on the same day to explain why eviction proceedings should not be initiated against them.
APCR Rajasthan President Advocate Syed Saadat Ali said the notices were dated June 11 but were delivered only on the evening of June 17, leaving the affected parties with less than a day to seek legal assistance and prepare a response. He described the timeline as unfair and contrary to established legal procedures.
“The action violates the fundamental principles of natural justice, constitutional rights, and judicial standards,” Ali said, emphasising that any adverse action against an individual, institution, or religious place must be preceded by a meaningful opportunity to be heard.
The organisation argued that the notices appear to contravene Articles 14, 21, 25, and 26 of the Constitution of India, which guarantee equality before the law, fair procedure, freedom of religion, and the right to manage religious institutions. APCR also cited the legal principle of audi alteram partem, the right of the other side to be heard before any adverse decision is taken.
Referring to the Supreme Court guidelines on eviction and demolition matters, APCR noted that affected parties should be given adequate notice and sufficient time to seek legal remedies. The organisation said that a minimum notice period of 15 days is generally considered necessary to ensure due process.
Ali stated that the issue extends beyond a simple land or property dispute and raises concerns regarding constitutional governance and the protection of minority religious rights. He warned that issuing similar notices to multiple mosques simultaneously has deepened fears that legal procedures are being replaced by haste and arbitrariness in matters involving religious institutions.
APCR maintained that if authorities have objections related to land or construction, such concerns should be addressed through lawful procedures, impartial investigations, and judicial scrutiny rather than through notices that provide little opportunity for defence.
The organisation further warned that if any unilateral or coercive action is taken on the basis of the notices, it will support the affected mosque committees in pursuing legal remedies before competent courts and will utilise all constitutional and legal avenues available.
APCR has demanded that the Rajasthan government and district administration immediately suspend the notices, provide adequate time in accordance with Supreme Court directions, ensure judicial review before any eviction or demolition action, maintain transparency and fairness in matters concerning religious institutions, and avoid measures that could trigger communal tensions or social discord.
The organisation reiterated that the Constitution guarantees equal rights and protection to all citizens and urged the authorities to uphold the rule of law and constitutional values while addressing the matter.
