Telangana High Court issues interim order protecting Vemulawada Dargah

The Court was hearing a writ petition filed by Mohammad Nazima, challenging the alleged illegal fencing, barricading and obstruction of access to the dargah by the authorities. Counsel for the petitioner, Zeeshan Adnan Mahmood, submitted that the dargah, believed to be over 800 years old and dating back to the 12th century, has historically stood alongside the renowned Vemulawada temple as a symbol of communal harmony and shared cultural heritage. It was contended that attempts by officials, including the District Collector and the Devasthanam authorities, to relocate the shrine would seriously affect the region’s composite cultural fabric.

The petitioner’s counsel further argued that the Mutawalli of the dargah has no legal authority to consent to any relocation and that such power vests exclusively with the Telangana State Waqf Board under the applicable law.

Taking note of the submissions, the Court recorded the undertakings given by the District Collector, the Executive Officer of the temple and the Superintendent of Police, Rajanna-Sircilla district. Based on these undertakings, the Court directed that no coercive steps of any nature, including relocation, demolition or alteration of the dargah, shall be undertaken.

The matter has been posted for further hearing.