Activists and petitioners demanding equal rights for women to enter Haji Ali dargah have welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision ordering access for both at all times.
Activists and petitioners demanding equal rights for women to enter Haji Ali dargah have welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision ordering access for both at all times. The petitioners, however, said that the celebrations would be on hold till the time the apex court gives its opinion on the affidavit filed by the trustees and allows its implementation.
According to Noor Jehan Niaz of Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan, which had filed a PIL against the discriminatory practices against women adopted by the Haji Ali Dargah Trust by not allowing them entry into the dargah, the SC order is a major victory for Muslim women and women in general all over the country. “We need to wait and see the contents of the plan that has been submitted by the trustees to the court. As long as there is no discrimination against the women we are happy,” said Ms Niaz.
The plan submitted to the Supreme Court, according to Suhail Khandwani, one of the trustees of Haji Ali Dargah has reverted to the previous system and both men and women will be able to access the dargah at the same time. “Due to religious obligations, the praying area for both men and women are separate. As a result of this the entry and exit is also kept separate. The move is aimed at ensuring the security of the women and even the children who accompany them,” said Mr Khandwani. He added that entry to the inner sanctum was off limits to both men and women and only the khadims and trustees would have access to it.
Islamic scholar Dr Zeenat Shaukatali of Wisdom Foundation said, “We applaud the court order and compliment the trust for rectifying their previous stand by giving women the equal status and rights they deserve.”
