Pb & Hry HC seeks response from Punjab govt on preservation of Sadhna Kasai mosque

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has issued a notice to the Punjab government in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed seeking protection and preservation of the historic Sadhna Kasai Mosque in Fatehgarh Sahib district.

The PIL alleges neglect by both the Government of India and the Punjab state government in renovating or preserving the Sadhna Kasai Mosque, which has been declared a protected monument by the Punjab government but remains in a deteriorating condition.

A division bench comprising Acting Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Vikas Suri directed notices to be issued to the State of Punjab, Secretary to the Government of Punjab (Department of Cultural Affairs and Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs), and the Deputy Commissioner of Fatehgarh Sahib.

The PIL was filed by Punjab-based advocate Sunaina, who highlighted the government’s negligence towards the ancient Mughal-era mosque, dedicated to the renowned Punjab Sufi poet Bhagat Sadhana.

The plea invokes The Punjab Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1964, which aims to preserve ancient and historical monuments and archaeological sites, excluding those of national importance.

The petition seeks directives to the state authorities to undertake necessary measures for the preservation, protection, and renovation of the Sadhna Kasai Mosque and the Tomb of Ustad-Shagird in Sirhind District, Fatehgarh Sahib.

The case is scheduled for further consideration on August 22.