High Court Intervenes in Urs Festival Dispute: A Cultural Legacy Under Scrutiny

The Allahabad High Court has questioned the Uttar Pradesh government over a plea concerning the annual Urs at the Dargah of Syed Salar Masood Ghazi in Bahraich. This development follows a petition challenging a district order that prevents the festival from taking place this year.

The hearing, presided over by Justices Rajan Roy and O P Shukla, is set for May 14. Senior advocate L P Mishra, representing Dargah Sharif, highlighted the historical significance of the site, established in 1375 AD, and the long-standing tradition of the Urs, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Arguments reveal a conflict between the district administration and religious traditions, hinging on reports from local intelligence and administrative directives dating back to 1987. The court has requested documentation supporting the Dargah's claim over the adjacent land area.

(With inputs from agencies.)