KKN Gurugram Desk | In a significant development regarding the annual Jeth Mela held at the revered Syed Salar Masood Ghazi Dargah in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, the Allahabad High Court’s Lucknow Bench has decided not to interfere with the state government’s decision to deny permission for the event this year.

The court observed that the matter falls within the purview of the state administration, particularly in light of the concerns raised by local law enforcement and Hindu organizations opposing the fair.

Court Ruling: Daily Religious Practices May Continue, But No Fair

A division bench comprising Justice Attau Rahman Masoodi and Justice Subhash Vidyarthi ruled that while daily religious activities and visits by devotees at the Dargah Sharif may continue uninterrupted, the annual Jeth Mela will not be permitted this year, as per the decision of the district administration.

The court stated that it does not see a compelling reason to intervene in the administrative decision made by the District Magistrate of Bahraich.

The Dargah management committee has been instructed to ensure smooth operation of daily religious functions and to maintain order, ensuring no overcrowding or disorder takes place.

Background: Why Was the Mela Stopped This Year?

Traditionally, the Jeth Mela is held annually at the dargah of Syed Salar Masood Ghazi, a historical figure venerated by many. However, Hindu organizations have opposed the event, arguing that Salar Masood was a foreign invader who clashed with local Hindu kings, particularly Maharaja Suheldev, and was defeated in Bahraich.

These groups allege that the Mela has become a ground for religious conversions, encroachments, and law and order issues, and have demanded that the state government not allow such events that, according to them, glorify invaders.

Amid these protests, the Bahraich district administration denied permission for the 2025 Jeth Mela, citing potential communal tension and administrative concerns.

Petitioners Challenge District Magistrate’s Ban

The decision of the district administration was challenged in court through multiple petitions. The petitioners, who included religious bodies and individuals associated with the Dargah, argued that:

• The Dargah was built in 1375 in memory of Syed Salar Masood Ghazi by Firoz Shah Tughlaq.

• The Urs and Mela have been held peacefully for decades, without major law-and-order disturbances.

• There is no legal requirement for prior permission to host traditional religious fairs that have occurred historically.

Their legal counsel urged the court to issue a directive allowing the Mela to take place this year, asserting that denial of permission infringes on religious freedom and established tradition.

Court’s Observations: State Has Right to Maintain Public Order

However, the High Court did not accept the argument that administrative permission is unnecessary. It acknowledged the sensitive nature of the issue, but reiterated that:

“In matters relating to public safety and religious sensitivities, the state’s administrative authorities are best placed to assess the situation on the ground.”

The court emphasized that religious sentiments must be respected, but not at the cost of public order.

What Hindu Organizations Say

Hindu groups, including local factions and religious leaders, have publicly expressed opposition to events glorifying Syed Salar Masood Ghazi, whom they identify as an invader and aggressor.

Their narrative highlights the historic battle between Salar Masood and Maharaja Suheldev, where the latter is believed to have defeated and killed the former. For these organizations, honoring Salar Masood contradicts local history and disrespects regional pride.

Some groups have also raised alarms over alleged conversion activities during the Mela and potential encroachments on public land around the Dargah.

State Government’s Stand

The Uttar Pradesh government has, in recent years, taken a cautious approach to religious gatherings, especially where historical narratives and communal interpretations differ sharply.

In this case, the government backed the District Magistrate’s decision, stating that public safety and communal harmony must come first. The administration has reiterated that there is no blanket ban on religious practice, but large-scale public events like the Jeth Mela require scrutiny and approval, which was denied this year.

Cultural Significance of the Jeth Mela

The Jeth Mela has been a long-standing event attended by devotees from various communities, especially in the Sufi tradition. Pilgrims from parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh come to the Bahraich Dargah annually during the Jeth month to pay respects and participate in religious rituals.

Supporters of the event argue that the Mela symbolizes communal unity, as people of multiple faiths have historically attended without incident. They warn that banning such events could alienate communities and damage the inclusive fabric of religious expression in India.

What Happens Next?

While the High Court has declined to intervene this year, the petitioners may still explore further legal options, including appealing to the Supreme Court.

For now, the administration is expected to increase security in Bahraich around the Dargah during the Jeth period to prevent any unlawful gatherings or communal tension. Authorities have also appealed to both religious leaders and civil society to cooperate and maintain harmony.

The debate over the Jeth Mela at Syed Salar Masood Ghazi Dargah is a reflection of deeper historical and cultural fault lines in Indian society. It touches upon issues of:

• Religious freedom vs. administrative control

• History vs. historical reinterpretation

• Tradition vs. law and order

While the court upheld the government’s authority, the larger dialogue about how India navigates religious pluralism and historical narratives remains unresolved.

The Allahabad High Court’s stance sends a clear message: public order and administrative discretion will be prioritized, but individual faith and religious practices, within legal bounds, will not be restricted.