High Court Seeks Response From Punjab Govt On Plea To Preserve Fatehgarh Sahib's Sadhna Kasai Mosque

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has sought a response from the Punjab government on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed seeking protection and preservation of Fathehgarh Sahib's Sadhna Kasai Mosque.

It is alleged that the Government of India and the state government have not undertaken the renovation or preservation of the heritage site, Sadhna Kasai Mosque, which has been declared a protected monument by the Punjab government and is lying in a dilapidated condition.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Vikas Suri issued a notice to the State of Punjab, Secretary to Government of Punjab, Department of Cultural Affairs, Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and Deputy Commissioner, Fatehgarh Sahib.

The PIL was filed by a Punjab-based advocate, Sunaina who stated that the ancient Mughal-era Mosque is not being taken care of by the government, leading to its deterioration

It is submitted that Sadhana Kasai is one of the most ancient mosques of India dedicated to a famous Punjab'sSufi poet Bhagat Sadhana.

Reliance is placed on The Punjab Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1964 which is aimed at providing for preservation of ancient and historical monuments and archaeological sites and remains other than those of national importance.

The plea seeks directions to state authorities to take necessary steps for the preservation, protection and renovation of the Mosque of Sadhna Kasai, Tomb of Ustad-Shagird at Sirhind District Fatehgarh Sahib in view of the fact that it is declared as a protected monument by the Punjab Government.

The matter is listed for August 22, for further consideration.

Title: Sunaina v. State of Punjab & Ors.

Advocate Sunaina – Petitioner in person.

Saurav Khurana, Addl. Advocate General, Punjab.