The Rajasthan High Court has dismissed petitions challenging the proposed demolition of several mosques, dargahs and madrasas situated within 50 kilometres of the India-Pakistan border.The court observed that the matter primarily concerns national security and regulatory compliance rather than religious discrimination.

Justice Sameer Jain noted that the Union government's decision to expand the territorial jurisdiction and operational powers of the Border Security Force reflects a considered approach to addressing security concerns in sensitive border areas.The court further stated that structures located close to the international border require enhanced vigilance and regulatory oversight.According to the order, the available material indicated that the structures identified for demolition were prima facie unauthorised.The court also pointed out that the petitioners had been served show-cause notices but did not participate in the prescribed administrative process.As a result, it held that they could not subsequently invoke the writ jurisdiction of the High Court by alleging a violation of natural justice.

The bench further remarked that attempts to portray the action as communal were misplaced, emphasising that the issue related to enforcement of legal and security requirements.

The proposed demolitions had triggered political criticism in June, with AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Congress leader Ashok Gehlot alleging that Muslim places of worship were being disproportionately targeted.

Owaisi had claimed that multiple mosques and dargahs in Bikaner, Phalodi, Jaisalmer and Barmer had already been demolished and that notices had been issued to many other religious sites, including a centuries-old shrine.Gehlot also criticised the Rajasthan government, alleging that historically significant religious structures were being targeted.Despite these allegations, the High Court concluded that the petitions lacked merit on the material placed before it.