In a significant development in the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute, the Allahabad High Court dismissed a recall application filed by the Muslim side, marking a crucial moment in the ongoing legal battle over the historic site in Mathura. The court’s decision paves the way for a collective hearing of 15 civil suits related to ownership and possession issues, scheduled for November 8.
Mahendra Pratap Singh, the advocate and national president of Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Mukti Nyas, outlined the recent proceedings before Justice Mayank Kumar Jain. The recall application sought to contest the court’s earlier ruling, which allowed for the collective hearing of several suits concerning the 13.37-acre complex shared by the Katra Keshav Dev temple and the Shahi Idgah mosque.
The primary contention of these suits is the removal of the Shahi Idgah mosque to reclaim the entire premises for the temple, citing historical and religious significance. This includes demands for the demolition of the existing mosque structure to restore the alleged original site of the Shri Krishna temple.
Advocates for the temple side argued that consolidating the cases would not only save court time but also reduce litigation costs for all parties involved. They accused the mosque side of attempting to delay the legal process through the recall application, which they said was typically used to withdraw a court’s previous order.
Despite opposition from the Muslim representatives, who favored separate hearings for each case to ensure thorough consideration, the court opted for a unified approach. By dismissing the recall application, the court affirmed its intention to proceed with a consolidated hearing of the pending cases, streamlining the process and potentially expediting a resolution.