In a significant development, the Allahabad High Court on December 14th, 2023, granted permission for a court-monitored survey of the Shahi Idgah mosque complex in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. This decision marks a key milestone in the long-standing legal dispute regarding the birthplace of Lord Krishna, known as the Krishna Janmabhoomi case.
Background of the Dispute:
The Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah Masjid dispute has been a contentious issue for decades. Hindus claim that the Shahi Idgah Mosque was built in the 17th century by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb on the ruins of an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. They argue that the land rightfully belongs to the Hindu community and seek its return for the construction of a Krishna Janmabhoomi temple. Muslims, on the other hand, maintain that the mosque has existed on the site for centuries and its ownership cannot be contested.
The Allahabad High Court’s Decision:
The High Court’s decision to allow a survey of the mosque premises comes after several years of legal proceedings. In May 2022, the Mathura District Court dismissed a suit filed by the Hindu side seeking the demolition of the mosque and the construction of a temple. However, the Allahabad High Court later admitted an appeal against this decision.
The court-appointed survey team will consist of three advocate commissioners, who will be tasked with conducting a comprehensive examination of the mosque complex. The scope of the survey is yet to be finalized, but it is expected to include aspects like the mosque’s architecture, historical records, and any underlying structures.
Potential Implications of the Survey:
The High Court’s decision has been met with mixed reactions from both sides of the dispute. Hindus have welcomed the move, believing that the survey will provide evidence to support their claims. Muslims, however, have expressed concerns that the survey could be a precursor to the demolition of the mosque.
The legal battle over the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah Masjid dispute is far from over. The upcoming survey is likely to be a crucial piece of evidence in the case, and its findings could have a significant impact on the final outcome. The court has set December 18th as the next date of hearing to finalize the modalities of the survey.
