The Allahabad High Court on Thursday fixed December 12 as the next date of hearing in the long-running Krishna Janmabhoomi–Shahi Idgah mosque dispute of Mathura.
Justice Avnish Saxena, after hearing counsels from both sides, granted a last opportunity to the parties to file their written statements in those cases where they have not yet been submitted.
The dispute involves 18 civil suits filed by the Hindu side seeking possession of the land allegedly occupied by the Shahi Idgah Masjid, its removal, and restoration of the temple structure said to mark the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The petitions also seek a permanent injunction restraining the Muslim side from interfering with their claimed rights over the site.
Earlier, on August 1, 2024, the high court had rejected applications filed by the Muslim parties challenging the maintainability of these suits. In that order, the court held that the cases were not barred by the Limitation Act, the Waqf Act, or the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which protects the religious character of places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947.
The controversy centres on the Shahi Idgah mosque, constructed during the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, which the Hindu litigants allege was built after demolishing a temple marking the birthplace of Lord Krishna.
The matter will now be taken up by the Allahabad High Court on December 12 for further proceedings.
