Bahraich Dargah Sharif: Allahabad High Court Allows Routine Rituals, Says No to Jeth Mela for Now
In an urgent hearing held on a non-sitting day, the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court on Saturday, May 17, 2025, allowed routine religious rituals to continue at the Dargah Sharif in Bahraich but declined to permit the organization of the annual Jeth Mela, citing public safety and administrative concerns.
The order came in a batch of writ petitions and Public Interest Litigations (PILs), including one filed by the Waqf No.19 Dargah Sharif through its chairman Baqaullah, and others by individuals seeking intervention in the state's decision to restrict the mela. The hearing was convened urgently based on administrative orders from the Chief Justice.
The bench comprising Justices Attau Rahman Masoodi and Subhash Vidyarthi noted that while religious and ritualistic activities at the shrine can continue as usual, any cultural or commercial gathering associated with the Jeth Mela would not be allowed at this stage.
“Insofar as the prayer for organizing ‘Jeth Mela’ having cultural/commercial trappings is concerned, we are not persuaded, prima facie, to interfere with the decision of the State authorities,” the court observed.
The court clarified that its interim relief is limited to ensuring the continuity of religious observances. It directed the State to provide all necessary law and order support and civic amenities in coordination with the Dargah Sharif management committee.
Significantly, the court emphasized crowd management, directing the committee to ensure that devotees visit the shrine in “moderate numbers” to prevent any stampede-like situation or administrative strain.
The State’s position, presented by Additional Advocate General Kuldeep Pati Tripathi, did not oppose the continuation of ritualistic practices. However, the State had expressed reservations regarding the larger public gathering anticipated during the Jeth Mela, a yearly event known for its cultural, commercial, and religious blend, attracting thousands of visitors.
The judgment in the case has been reserved and is expected to clarify the legal position on the broader conflict between state restrictions and religious-cultural gatherings.
Until then, the shrine will remain accessible for rituals, but celebrations beyond that—especially those of a commercial or large public nature—will remain off the table.
The plea by the Waqf No.19 Dargah Sharif Bahraich through its Chairman Baqaullah, has been filed challenging the April 26, 2025, order of the Bahraich District Magistrate refusing permission for the month-long Urs, scheduled from May 15 to June 15, with the main symbolic ceremony on May 18.
It is the argument of the petitioners that the Dargah — established in 1375 AD by Firoz Shah Tughlaq — has been hosting the Urs for decades without incident. The gathering is being unfairly blocked despite being exempt from the U.P. Melas Act, 1938. The petitioners contended that the refusal order is arbitrary, malafide, and violative of fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19(1)(b), 21, 25, and 29 of the Constitution.
Case Title: Waqf No.19 Dahgah Sahrif Thru. C/M Of Dargah Sharif Bahraich By Chairman Baqaullah And 5 Others Vs State Of U.P. Thru Addl. Chief Secy. Deptt. Home Lko. And Another
Download order here