Supreme Court Deliberates on Krishna Janmabhoomi Demolition: A Deep Dive into the Mathura Controversy
The Supreme Court of India is gearing up to address a significant plea related to the ongoing demolition activities near the revered Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. The plea specifically challenges the removal of what are described as illegal constructions in the vicinity of this religious site.
The upcoming hearing has been highlighted on the Supreme Court’s official website, where the cause list indicates that the matter will be taken up by a distinguished bench. This bench comprises Justices Aniruddha Bose, Sanjay Kumar, and SVN Bhatti, who will collectively weigh in on the intricacies of the case.
At the heart of this legal battle is the contentious demolition of settlements that are situated close to the Krishna Janmabhoomi. The issue gained momentum on August 16 when the apex court, taking cognizance of the potential ramifications, decided to put a temporary halt to the demolition drive. This drive, spearheaded by the railway authorities, was initiated to address and remove the alleged unauthorized constructions in the area.
During the aforementioned hearing on August 16, the Supreme Court felt the need to seek perspectives from various stakeholders. Consequently, it dispatched notices to the Central Government and other relevant entities, urging them to provide their insights on a plea that was tabled by Yakub Shah, the petitioner. Reflecting the urgency and gravity of the situation, the bench, in its directive from August 16, pronounced,
“Let there be an order of status quo as regards the subject premises for a period of 10 days from today. List after one week.”
However, the narrative took a turn on August 25. When the case was presented for reconsideration, the top judicial body opted against extending the previously granted interim order. The bench, elucidating its stance, remarked,
“List on August 28. In the meantime, rejoinder, if any, be filed by the petitioner. No further extension of the interim order.”
The petitioner’s counsel, during the hearing on August 16, sought to underscore the scale and impact of the demolition activities. He apprised the court that nearly 100 houses had been razed to the ground. Drawing attention to the remaining structures, he pointed out,
“There are 70-80 houses left. The whole endeavor will become void. They executed the demolition on a day when the courts in Uttar Pradesh were not operational.”
Given the religious, social, and legal implications intertwined with this issue, it has naturally attracted widespread attention. Observers, residents, and stakeholders are keenly awaiting the Supreme Court’s conclusive judgment on this matter.