Divisional Commissioner Puts On Hold SDM’s Order In MP's Dhar

Dhar (Madhya Pradesh): Divisional commissioner on Monday put on hold an order issued by Dhar SDM asking Tajia Committee to vacate a PWD building it has occupied.

A final hearing will be held on August 6. The building was given temporarily to the committee during the Moharram festival, but over time, it began to be treated as a permanent Imambara, which led to opposition.

Cultural Heritage Protection Committee opposed it saying that a government building should not be permanently occupied. Thousands joined a protest against the occupation, which led the administration to send an eviction notice.

The matter reached the High Court, which asked the local authorities to decide. SDM then issued a 15-day notice for the committee to vacate the building. However, before the notice ended, Zulfiqar Khan submitted a plea to divisional commissioner, asking for more time.

Considering the upcoming community's religious event, the commissioner stayed the order till August 6, stating that a proper hearing must be given.

Last year, a strong protest was held over this issue. Two weeks ago, a Hindu Mahapanchayat warned of a building lockdown if no action was taken by July 31. The stay has paused that move for now.