New Delhi: The Delhi High Court will today hear pleas against the move of Syed Ahmed Bukhari, Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, to anoint his son as the Naib Imam (deputy Imam).
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice G. Rohini and Justice R.S. Endlaw said that it would hear the petitions in detail before passing an order.
Additional Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), said that the Jama Masjid was a Waqf property and it was yet to be decided if the rule of primogeniture would apply to the Imam's succession.
The rule of primogeniture gives the right, by law or custom, to the first-born male child to inherit the family estate. This right of succession was claimed by the first-born children especially during the medieval period.
The petitions, moved by Suhail Ahmed Khan, Ajay Gautam and V.K. Anand, have contended that Bukhari, being an employee of Delhi Waqf Board, could not appoint his son as the Naib Imam. “Despite knowing that the Waqf Board alone has the right to appoint an Imam, Bukhari has declared his 19-year-old son to be a Naib Imam.
Imam Bukhari has also organized a Dastarbandi (anointment) ceremony, which is purely anti-Islamic,” stated the petitions.
The petitioners have also requested the Court to declare invalid the appointment of Mr. Bukhari as the Shahi Imam and alleged that there was “complete anarchy and misuse of power” by him in the area.
The Delhi High Court agreed to hear the pleas of the petitioners following which it will pass a judgment.
