Temple-Mosque Dispute: Legal Battle on Sacred Grounds

A legal dispute over the Shamsi Jama Masjid and alleged Neelkanth Mahadev temple site has resurfaced, with a hearing scheduled for February 12. The case, previously transferred due to Judge Tiwari's maternity leave, involves debate over jurisdiction and the application of the Places of Worship Act, 1991.

The longstanding dispute between Neelkanth Mahadev temple and Shamsi Jama Masjid is set to return to court on February 12. The case was reassigned to Additional Civil Judge (Senior Division) Suman Tiwari after originally being transferred to Judge Pushpendra Chaudhary due to Tiwari's maternity leave.

The conflict began in 2022 when Mukesh Patel, then convener of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha, claimed a temple existed at the mosque site and requested permission for worship. Anwar Alam, representing the mosque's management, cites higher court rulings against such proceedings in subordinate courts, pressing for the case's dismissal.

The Hindu faction argues the Supreme Court's prior orders do not pertain to pre-existing disputes. At the heart of this legal battle is the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which Anwar Alam insists should prevent any court orders in this matter as directed by the apex court.

(With inputs from agencies.)