In a recent development, the Supreme Court has issued a directive to the Allahabad High Court’s registrar, emphasizing the need for the provision of essential information and documents related to the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute. The apex court’s bench, comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia, expressed their concern over the delay in receiving the requested information, which they had initially sought during a hearing on July 21.
The matter at hand revolves around a plea filed by the Committee of Management Trust Shahi Masjid Idgah. They are challenging an order from May 26, where the high court had decided to transfer to itself all matters related to the dispute that were previously pending before a Mathura court. The Supreme Court, in its July hearing, had stated,
“On hearing counsel for parties, we consider it appropriate that the registrar of the high court should forward to us as to what are the suits which are sought to be consolidated by the impugned order as there appears to be a little generality to the directions issued.”
However, during the recent hearing, the bench highlighted that the necessary information from the high court had not been received. They noted,
“The office report shows that in pursuance to our order dated July 21, 2023 sent to the registrar of the high court, no requisite information/documents have been received from the registrar of the high court.”
In light of this, the bench issued a reminder and stated,
“A reminder be sent along with the last order and our order be placed before the chief justice in the administrative side so that we have a proper response.”
The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for October 30 and has instructed the concerned registrar of the high court to be personally present.
Furthermore, the apex court expressed its intent to first understand the specifics of the suits that the high court aims to consolidate. The court remarked,
“Let’s first get a list at least, let’s at least know what the contours are.”
During the July hearing, the bench had also emphasized that the prolongation of proceedings and the multiplicity of them are not beneficial for any party involved.
The dispute’s background involves a claim that the Shahi Masjid Idgah was constructed on a portion of the 13.37-acre land belonging to the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Trust. The high court’s decision to transfer all related matters to itself was influenced by a transfer application filed by Bhagwan Shrikrishna Virajman through the next friend, Ranjana Agnihotri, and several others. These petitioners had expressed their desire for the original trial to be conducted by the high court, drawing parallels with the Ayodhya’s Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi title dispute.
This comprehensive coverage, enriched with direct quotes, provides readers with a detailed understanding of the Supreme Court’s recent directive to the Allahabad High Court regarding the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute.
