On January 11 of the previous year, the Allahabad High Court had directed that the 15 suits, filed by Hindu petitioners, be consolidated. The High Court had reasoned that combining the cases would serve the “interest of justice.”
![[BREAKING] Krishna Janmabhoomi Case |Supreme Court Says Plea on 15 Lawsuits Consolidation Can Be Raised Later](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Mathura-Temple.webp?resize=820%2C461&ssl=1)
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India, on Friday (10th Jan), addressed the issue of consolidating 15 lawsuits related to the Mathura Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah Masjid dispute. The Court stated that the plea challenging the Allahabad High Court’s order to combine the lawsuits could be raised at a later date.
A bench consisting of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar took a provisional view in favor of the High Court’s decision to consolidate the cases. The bench explained that this decision benefits both sides involved in the legal dispute.
On January 11 of the previous year, the Allahabad High Court had directed that the 15 suits, filed by Hindu petitioners, be consolidated. The High Court had reasoned that combining the cases would serve the “interest of justice.”
![[BREAKING] Krishna-Janmabhoomi Case| Supreme Court Says Plea on 15 Lawsuits Consolidation Can Be Raised Later](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Bomb-Threat-to-Allahabad-High-Court_-Petitioner-Linked-in-Krishna-Janmabhoomi-Case-Receives-a-Call-From-Pakistani-Number.jpeg?resize=600%2C337&ssl=1)
At the start of the hearing on Friday, the Supreme Court bench pointed out that it was already considering an issue related to the 1991 law on places of worship. The bench questioned why it should intervene in the matter of consolidating the lawsuits at this time.
Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna remarked, “If required, you can raise the plea later,” referring to the lawyer representing the mosque committee.
Moreover, the Supreme Court had, on December 12, issued a direction restraining courts across the country from entertaining fresh lawsuits or passing any interim or final orders in pending cases related to reclaiming religious places, particularly mosques and dargahs.
On Friday, the lawyer representing the Shahi Idgah Committee of Management Trust argued that the lawsuits were not similar in nature, yet the High Court had ordered their consolidation. The lawyer expressed concern that the consolidation would complicate matters since the lawsuits would be taken up together.
However, the bench disagreed, saying, “No complications at all… it is in your benefit and their benefit also as multiple proceedings are being avoided.”
The bench further questioned, “Why should we interfere on the issue of consolidation (of lawsuits)? In any case, we are hearing the issue.” The Chief Justice, in his statement, added, “What difference does it make if it is consolidated? Anyway, think about it, we are adjourning it, but I think consolidation makes no difference at all. Relist (the plea) in the week commencing April 1.”
