The long-strangled dispute of Krishna Janmabhoomi and Shahi Idgah is taking a new turn. The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday (October 23^rd, 2024) has released a new statement in this regard. The HC refuted the plea filed by the Sunni Central Waqf Board to overturn its earlier issued order on January 11, 2024. The Jan 11 order directed the consolidation of all suits of the Hindu side in the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi and Shahi Idgah conflict.

Lets study in depth about the background of the dispute and the earlier proceedings involved in the case.

The Commencement of Krishna Janmabhoomi and Shahi Idgah Dispute

The decades-long dissension between Hindu and Muslim sides, claims that the Shahi Idgah mosque is illegally constructed on a Hindu temple site.  

The primary suit demands the demolition of the mosque as it is built on Krishna Janmabhoomi land. Another PIL that asserted to announce the site as Krishna Janmabhoomi was, however, rejected in 2022.

In contrast, the defendants comprising the Shahi Idgah mosque committee and UP Sunni Central Waqf Board contested the allegations. According to them, the mosque doesnt come under the contested land. They further quash the statements related to the temples existence.

Proofs and Claims by the Hindu Petitioners

As per the arguments from the Hindu side,

• In 1618, a temple was built by Raja Veer Singh Bundela of Orchha. The temple was later demolished in 1670. Under the command of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, the Shahi Idgah was built. The official court bulletin of February 1670 also favors the Hindus claims.
• Furthermore, some Hindu petitioners believes that the mosque sits atop Lord Krishnas birthplace in Mathura. They also add that the mosque falls on a part of the 13.37-acre land of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Trust.
• The further claims assert that the Shahi Idgah mosque is a temple as it includes a lotus-shaped pillar, particularly seen in Hindu temples. The mosque also includes Hindu religious symbols and engravings.

History of all Legal Proceedings in Krishna Janmabhoomi and Shahi Idgah Case

• A Lucknow resident and advocate, Ranjana Agnihotri and six others filed a statement on September 24, 2020. The statement contended the removal of the 17^th Centurys Idgah mosque. The pact was lodged on behalf of next friend of Bhagwan Sri Krishna Virajman.
• However, the plea faced rejection on September 30, 2020, noting it as non-admissible. The plea was dismissed by the civil judge. The reason asserted that none of the petitioners are from Mathura and therefore lack valid justification of their connection or stake regarding the temple.
• Nonetheless, the district court later recalled the ruling. Following several refusals, the case was finally accepted by the court as valid.
• The Allahabad Court in May 2023 demanded for a review of 18 connected pleas that were filed, bringing the case back in the limelight. On December 14, the court ordered a survey of the Shahi Idgah Mosque to assess the historical claims presented by both the parties.

The 2024 Legal Developments in the Case

In the recent legal development of the case, Justice Mayank Kumar Jain rejected the petition of the mosque committee. This ruling allows the consolidation of the 15 pleas filed by various Hindu parties in relation with Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi issue.

Following the court session, Saurabh Tiwari, the lawyer advocating the Hindu side, hailed it as a win for the Hindu plaintiffs. Tiwari reassuring the people stated, The recall application was just a hurdle by the Muslim side to delay the case. The High Court’s decision is in the interest of both parties. He further said that the next hearing is on November 6.

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