In a significant development in the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute, the Allahabad High Court dismissed an application seeking to replace the term 'Shahi Idgah Mosque' with 'disputed structure' in all future court proceedings.
Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra orally stated that the application was being "dismissed at this stage." The plea was filed by advocate Mahendra Pratap Singh in Original Suit No. 13 of 2023 and was supported by other plaintiffs, including those in OSUT No. 07 of 2023.
"The court refused to alter the mosque's designation in legal records, keeping the term 'Shahi Idgah Mosque' for now."
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Background of the Dispute
The dispute revolves around the Shahi Eidgah Mosque in Mathura, believed to have been built during Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's reign after allegedly demolishing a temple at Lord Krishna’s birthplace.
In 1968, a compromise agreement was signed between the Shri Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sansthan (temple management) and the Trust Shahi Masjid Eidgah, allowing both structures to coexist. However, recent lawsuits challenge this agreement, calling it "fraudulent and legally invalid."
Several Hindu groups demand the removal of the mosque, claiming exclusive worship rights over the disputed land.
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Legal Proceedings & Recent Updates
- In May 2023, the Allahabad HC transferred all related cases from Mathura courts to itself.
- The mosque committee and UP Sunni Waqf Board challenged this transfer in the Supreme Court.
- In December 2023, the HC allowed a court commissioner to inspect the mosque, but the Supreme Court stayed the order in January 2024.
Key Appearances in Court
For Plaintiffs: Hari Shankar Jain, Mahendra Pratap Singh, Saurabh Tiwari, and others (via video conferencing).
For Defendants: Tasneem Ahmadi, Nasiruzzaman, Hare Ram Tripathi, and others.