Gupta argues that historical records and a 1912 book, *Praman* by Harvilas Sharda, provide evidence supporting the assertion that the site was a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva before its conversion during the medieval period. Among the demands in the petition are the declaration of the site as a Hindu temple, permission for Hindu worship, and an official ASI investigation to verify the claims.
The dargah, renowned as the resting place of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, has attracted devotees of diverse faiths for centuries. Its significance extends beyond religious dimensions, with the shrine serving as a symbol of communal harmony. The claim, however, has sparked controversy, with critics accusing Gupta and the Hindu Sena of attempting to polarize the community ahead of upcoming elections in Rajasthan.
Legal complexities have emerged regarding the jurisdiction of the case. Initially filed in the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s (CJM) court, the petition was transferred after it was determined that the CJM court lacked authority to hear such claims. A district sessions court will now decide the appropriate venue for the case. The petitioner’s legal counsel insists that the matter hinges on historical justice, while opponents warn against rewriting heritage narratives without concrete evidence.