Today, On 7th May, Allahabad High Court emphasized on the impact of the Waqf Board in the Shahi Idgah dispute. This dispute encompasses intricate questions of property ownership and religious rights, with the Waqf Board’s involvement being a focal point. The case highlights broader societal debates concerning religious sites and legal interpretations of historical claims, shaping discussions on cultural heritage and communal harmony in India.
Allahabad: During the hearing of the Krishna Janmabhoomi Shahi Idgah dispute at the Allahabad High Court, the counsel representing the Hindu side argued that the Waqf Board has a history of encroaching upon properties and declaring them as waqf assets.
The counsel, Rina N Singh, stated,
This practice of the Waqf Board should not be permitted.”
The hearing is in response to a plea challenging the suit seeking the removal of the Shahi Idgah mosque, which is located next to the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura. The Muslim side raised questions regarding the maintainability of the suit.
Singh also mentioned that the Muslim side claims that the property in question became a waqf property through a compromise reached between the two sides in 1968. However, Singh pointed out that the deity, who is the owner of the property, not involved in that compromise.
Furthermore, Singh argued that the Places of Worship Act and the Waqf Act, not applicable to this case.
The next hearing is scheduled for May 15, during which the Muslim side will present its arguments. Previously, on May 2, the Hindu side argued that the temple should be governed under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, as it is a protected monument. They also stated that the Places of Worship Act does not apply to this case.
The Shahi Idgah mosque, constructed in the 17th century, adjacent to the Krishna Janmasthan Temple complex, which revered by Hindus as the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The Hindu litigants assert that the mosque was built on the birthplace of Lord Krishna and challenged its ownership by the Waqf Board, a statutory body that oversees Islamic endowments.
The Shahi Idgah dispute, with its intricate blend of historical, religious, and legal issues, a significant case that could set a precedent for future disputes over religious sites. The involvement of the Waqf Board and the Allahabad High Court‘s ruling have added layers of complexity to the matter, making the Supreme Court’s upcoming decision a highly anticipated one. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of resolving such disputes with care and sensitivity to maintain communal harmony.