The Rajasthan chapter of the Association for Protection of Civil Rights has strongly criticized the eviction notices issued to several mosques and madrasas in Barmer, saying the move violates constitutional rights, judicial guidelines and the principles of natural justice.
According to APCR, mosque management committees in the Gadra Road tehsil area received notices on June 17 asking them either to vacate the premises by June 18 or appear before the tehsil office the same day to explain why eviction proceedings should not begin.
APCR Rajasthan President Syed Saadat Ali said the notices were officially dated June 11 but were delivered only on the evening of June 17, leaving the affected committees with less than 24 hours to respond or seek legal help.
“The action violates the fundamental principles of natural justice, constitutional rights, and judicial standards,” Ali said. He stressed that no action against any person, institution, or religious place should be taken without giving a proper opportunity to be heard.
‘Violates constitutional protections’
APCR said the notices appear to go against Articles 14, 21, 25 and 26 of the Constitution of India. These provisions guarantee equality before the law, the right to fair procedure, freedom of religion and the right to manage religious institutions.
The organization also referred to the legal principle of audi alteram partem, which means that the other side must be heard before any adverse decision is made.
Ali said that the matter is not just about land or property but about constitutional governance and minority rights.
“This issue goes beyond a simple property dispute. It raises serious concerns about the protection of constitutional and religious rights,” he said.
Supreme Court guidelines cited
APCR also pointed to recent guidelines of the Supreme Court of India on demolition and eviction cases, saying affected parties should be given enough time to challenge such actions legally.
The organization said a minimum notice period of 15 days is generally considered necessary to ensure fair legal process.
It warned that issuing notices to multiple mosques at the same time has increased fear among local communities and created concerns that due process is being ignored.
Calls for suspension of notices
APCR said that if there are objections related to land ownership or construction, the authorities should address them through proper legal procedures, impartial inquiry and judicial review instead of hurried notices.
The group warned that if any coercive or one-sided action is taken, it will support the affected mosque committees in approaching the courts.
The organization has demanded that the Rajasthan government and district administration immediately suspend the notices, provide adequate time in line with Supreme Court directions and ensure transparency in all proceedings.
APCR also urged authorities to avoid any steps that could create communal tension and disturb social harmony.
Reiterating its stand, the organization said the Constitution guarantees equal rights to all citizens and called on the administration to uphold the rule of law and constitutional values while handling the matter.
