In Brief
A dargah (Islamic shrine) dispute concerned who held the spiritual office of Sajjadanashin, distinct from the secular role of Mutawalli. The original Sajjadanashin nominated his grandson in 1981; a rival claimant contested this for 37 years. Trial and appellate courts found for the grandson. The High Court set the decisions aside, ruling civil courts lacked jurisdiction—arguing only the Waqf Board could decide. The Supreme Court held Sajjadanashin succession, being spiritual and governed by custom, is distinct from mutawalli appointments. Civil courts have jurisdiction over spiritual office disputes. The Court restored lower court decrees and remitted the case to the High Court for final merits-based decision within nine months.
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