The disagreement over worship rights at Krishna Koop within the Shahi Idgah compound in Mathura has evolved, with Hindu worshippers seeking approval for the ‘Basoda puja’, which has been challenged by objections from the Muslim community.
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Prayagraj: On Wednesday(20th March), The dispute over worship rights at the Krishna Koop, located within the Shahi Idgah premises in Mathura, has taken a new turn. The contention centers around the plea for performing ‘Basoda puja’ by Hindu devotees.
The Muslim side presented objection against a plea that sought permission for worship at the ‘Krishna Koop’.
This plea, was brought before the Allahabad High Court, highlighting the religious sentiments surrounding the Shahi Idgah and the adjacent Krishna Janmabhoomi temple.
The plea, filed under Section 151 of the Civil Procedure Code by Ashutosh Pandey, argues for the right of Hindu devotees to perform the ‘Basoda puja‘ at Krishna Koop during the auspicious days of ‘Mata Sheetla Saptami’ and ‘Mata Sheetala Ashtami’, which this year fall on April 1 and April 2, respectively. Pandey’s plea emphasizes the historical and religious significance of the site, asserting that the practice has been a longstanding tradition.
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However, the Muslim representatives have countered, stating that the matter of the plea’s maintainability is still under judicial consideration.
They argue that :
“pending hearing on the maintainability suit, no order on such an application is required to be passed.”
This stance reflects concerns over the potential legal and communal implications of allowing the puja to proceed on what is claimed to be Waqf property.
Despite facing opposition, the Hindu party remains unwavering in its conviction that devotees should be afforded the freedom to conduct their religious rituals at Krishna Koop. The counsel representing the Hindu petitioners has emphasized the court’s discretionary authority in handling such requests, emphasizing the significance of religious freedom and the court’s role in adjudicating these delicate matters.
Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, has also contested a motion by the Muslim representatives seeking the discharge of UP’s Additional Advocate General Manish Goel from his role as amicus curiae in the case.
Jain’s opposition is based on the argument that:
“there is no such provision to the effect that a government counsel cannot be appointed as amicus curiae.”
The Allahabad High Court‘s decision last May to consolidate approximately 15 cases related to the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah mosque dispute.
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As the high court has scheduled the next hearing for April 1.
