Allahabad HC Declines Petition, Stresses Need to Determine Shahi Idgah's Religious Character

The Allahabad High Court has rejected a plea questioning the maintainability of 18 cases regarding the temple-mosque dispute in Mathura. It ruled that the 'religious character' of the Shahi Idgah must be determined. This decision allows the continuation of related legal proceedings, with the next hearing set for August 12.

The Allahabad High Court on Thursday rejected a plea challenging the maintainability of 18 cases related to the temple-mosque dispute in Mathura, asserting the necessity to determine the 'religious character' of Shahi Idgah.

The court dismissed the Muslim side's contention, based on the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, that the suits filed by Hindu litigants were not maintainable. This 1991 Act bars changing the religious character of a shrine from its status on the day of India's Independence, with an exemption for the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute.

Justice Mayank Kumar Jain emphasized that the Act did not define 'religious character' and the disputed site cannot simultaneously hold both a temple and mosque's characteristics. The high court has scheduled further hearings for August 12.

(With inputs from agencies.)