Shimla, April 7, 2026:
The controversy surrounding the booking of a community hall inside the historic Ram Temple in Shimla has intensified, with direct blame now being placed on the Sood Sabha President for allowing the nikah ceremony to be scheduled on temple premises.
Allegations Against Sood Sabha Leadership
Local Hindu groups and residents have accused the Sood Sabha leadership of “gross negligence and insensitivity”, claiming that the decision to permit a religious ceremony of another faith inside a temple complex has hurt sentiments.
Protesters have specifically held the Sood Sabha President responsible, alleging that:
Proper scrutiny was not done before approving the booking
Religious sanctity of the temple premises was ignored
The decision could have been avoided with “basic sensitivity”
Growing Public Anger
Members of Hindu organizations, including the Hindu Sangharsh Samiti, have openly criticized the Sabha, warning that such decisions could lead to communal tension in the city.
Several locals questioned how repeated permissions for such events were granted, calling it a “failure of leadership and accountability”.
Demand for Accountability
Protesters have demanded:
Immediate cancellation of the booking
A public apology from the Sood Sabha President
Strict guidelines to prevent similar incidents in future
Some groups have even warned of agitations and protests if action is not taken swiftly.
Sood Sabha’s Defense Falls Short
While the Sabha has maintained that the hall is used for social functions and follows strict rules, critics argue that this explanation is “unacceptable when it comes to religious boundaries.”
The controversy has now shifted from a simple booking issue to a leadership crisis within the Sood Sabha, with mounting pressure on its President to justify the decision and restore public trust.
