The Allahabad High Court on Friday dismissed an application that sought to replace the term “Shahi Idgah Mosque” with “disputed structure” in all future court proceedings related to the ongoing Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi–Shahi Idgah land dispute in Mathura.
The application, supported by an affidavit filed by advocate Mahendra Pratap Singh, requested that the court issue directions to its stenographer and administrative staff to consistently use the phrase “disputed structure” instead of referring to the Aurangzeb-era mosque by name. The plea aimed to influence the nomenclature used in multiple ongoing suits concerning the religious site.
However, the plea was opposed through a written objection submitted by the defendants, and the court ultimately rejected the request. The order was passed by Justice Ram Manohar Narain Mishra, who is hearing a consolidated batch of suits revolving around the controversial site where Hindu petitioners claim the Shahi Idgah Mosque stands on the birthplace of Lord Krishna.
The Hindu parties have filed at least 18 suits seeking possession of the land, removal of the mosque structure, restoration of the original temple, and a permanent injunction against further religious activity by the Muslim side.
Earlier, on August 1, 2024, the High Court had ruled that the suits filed by Hindu worshippers were maintainable, dismissing the Muslim side’s objections based on the Waqf Act, Places of Worship Act, 1991, and Limitation Act. The court held that none of these laws barred the suits from proceeding.
Subsequently, on October 23, 2024, the High Court also declined to recall its earlier order (dated January 11, 2024), which had consolidated all pending suits concerning the Krishna Janmabhoomi–Shahi Idgah dispute for joint adjudication.
The decades-old dispute centres around claims that the Shahi Idgah Mosque, built during the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, stands on land historically believed by Hindus to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna, and where an ancient temple was allegedly demolished. The legal battle has intensified in recent years amid a surge in demands for the “liberation” of religious sites claimed to have been altered during historical invasions.
With this latest dismissal, the High Court has reaffirmed its stance that the legal proceedings will continue without altering established references to the mosque, and the cases will now proceed based on existing pleadings and terminology.
