In a 2022 claim by Mukesh Patel, then convener of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha, who sought permission to worship at the structure, asserting it was originally a temple.
Uttar Pradesh: A civil court in Budaun, Uttar Pradesh, will decide on January 18, 2025, whether to hear a plea alleging the existence of the Neelkanth temple at the site of Jama Masjid Shamsi.
Advocate Ved Prakash Sahu, representing the Hindu side, confirmed the date after the court, presided over by Civil Judge (Senior Division) Amit Kumar, deferred its decision due to upcoming district bar association elections.
In a 2022 claim by Mukesh Patel, then convener of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha, who sought permission to worship at the structure, asserting it was originally a temple.
On December 12, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan, directed all courts nationwide to refrain from entertaining or issuing interim or final orders in matters concerning the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. This came amid multiple petitions and counter-petitions linked to the Act.
READ ALSO: Jama Masjid Shamsi Built Over Neelkanth Temple: Court Scheduled To Hear On Dec 17
Jama Masjid Shamsi, located in Sotha Mohalla, is renowned as the highest structure in Budaun. It is believed to be the third oldest and seventh largest mosque in India, with a capacity to accommodate 23,500 worshippers.
Earlier, Civil Judge Amit Kumar Singh instructed the Muslim side to conclude their arguments by December 10. The dispute, dating back to 2022, originated from claims made by Mukesh Patel of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha.
The dispute began when Mukesh Patel, associated with the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha, claimed that the Jama Masjid Shamsi was built over a demolished temple. Patel’s petition, supported by archaeological assertions and local narratives, has sparked a contentious legal process.
Advocate Asrar Ahmed represents the Shamsi Shahi Jama Masjid Intezamia Committee and the Waqf Board, arguing that the claims lack substantive evidence and aim to disrupt communal harmony. The mosque, known for its grandeur and capacity, holds significant historical and religious value for the Muslim community in Budaun.
The Jama Masjid Shamsi, constructed in the 13th century during the reign of Iltutmish, stands as a testament to Indo-Islamic architecture. Its sprawling premises, intricate designs, and historical significance make it a landmark of Budaun. For centuries, the mosque has served as a place of worship and a symbol of cultural heritage.
