Delhi HC Halts CAG Audit Of Ajmer Sharif Dargah Societies

Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court has issued an interim stay on the Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG) proposed audit of two registered societies associated with the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, citing potential procedural lapses under the CAG Act, 1971.

Petitioners Challenge

The stay was granted in response to petitions filed by Anjuman Moinia Fakhria Chishtiya Khuddam Khwaja Sahib Syedzadgan and Anjuman Moinia Fakhria Chishtiya Khuddam Khwaja Sahib Shakhzadgan. These societies represent the hereditary custodians (khadims) of the Ajmer Dargah. The petitioners contended that the audit directive violated Section 20 of the CAG Act, which mandates specific procedures, including presidential assent and agreed-upon terms between the CAG and the concerned ministry, prior to initiating such audits.

Court Notes Procedural Irregularities

Justice Sachin Datta observed that the required terms and conditions for the audit had not been established when the Ministry of Minority Affairs issued its notification in March 2024. Furthermore, the CAG had not consented to the audit at that time. The court highlighted that these omissions lend credibility to the petitioners’ claim of non-compliance with statutory requirements.

Audit Committee

The petitioners also expressed concern over the formation of a three-member audit committee by the CAG without serving the audit terms to the societies. They argued that this action undermined their right to representation and contravened the provisions of the CAG Act.

Next Hearing

The High Court has scheduled the next hearing for July 28, 2025, and has directed that no further steps be taken by the CAG concerning the audit until then