The Allahabad High Court, based in Prayagraj, has officially set February 20 as the next crucial date for hearing in the long-standing and contentious Krishna Janmabhoomi and Shahi Eidgah mosque dispute located in Mathura. Justice Avnish Saxena presided over the proceedings and fixed this date after carefully listening to the arguments presented by the legal counsels representing both parties involved in this sensitive case.
Court Directs Filing of Objections and Amendments
During the hearing, the court meticulously examined several pending applications within the suits. It issued a directive for the parties to file their objections, including any necessary amendments, by the next scheduled date. This procedural step is aimed at streamlining the legal process and ensuring all arguments are formally documented for thorough judicial review.
Application for Representative Status in All Suits
An application was formally moved by advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, who demanded to be recognized as a representative for all the suits filed in this matter. The court has reserved its decision on this application, stating that a formal order will be passed on the next hearing date, February 20. This move could potentially consolidate the legal representation and arguments on the Hindu side.
Court's Emphasis on Organizing Voluminous Records
Earlier, the court had made a significant observation regarding the extensive documentation involved, noting that "the record is voluminous." To facilitate an early resolution, it had urged the parties to file objections in all pending applications. Additionally, the court had directed the rearrangement of the case file strictly in accordance with the General Rules (Civil) and ensured it was numbered accordingly for better management and accessibility.
Background of the Legal Suits
It is important to recall that the Hindu side has filed a total of 18 suits seeking possession of the land after the removal of the Shahi Eidgah Masjid structure. These suits also demand the restoration of the temple and seek a permanent injunction to prevent any further alterations. This legal battle is rooted in historical claims and religious sentiments, making it a highly watched case in India.
Previous Court Rulings on Maintainability
In a pivotal development earlier on August 1, 2024, the Allahabad High Court had rejected applications from the Muslim side that challenged the maintainability of the suits filed by Hindu worshippers. The court firmly held that all these suits were maintainable under the law. Furthermore, it ruled that these suits are not barred by the Limitation Act, the Waqf Act, or the Places of Worship Act of 1991. This 1991 act specifically prohibits the conversion of any religious structure as it existed on August 15, 1947, adding a layer of complexity to the proceedings.
Historical Context of the Dispute
The core of this controversy traces back to the Shahi Eidgah mosque in Mathura, which dates to the era of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. It is alleged by the Hindu side that this mosque was constructed after demolishing a temple that stood at the birthplace of Lord Krishna. This historical allegation fuels the ongoing legal and communal tensions, making the court's decisions critical for both religious communities and the broader societal harmony in India.
