Today, On 25th March, The Supreme Court disposed of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed over 20 years ago seeking the conservation and restoration of Red Fort. The petition aimed to ensure the preservation of the historic monument, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Noting progress in its upkeep, the court deemed further intervention unnecessary. With this decision, the long-pending legal battle for Red Fort’s protection comes to an end.
The Allahabad High Court granted interim protection to the 17th-century Shahi Hammam in Agra, responding to a Public Interest Litigation that emphasized its national importance. The Court directed the Archaeological Survey of India and local authorities to prevent demolition. Local residents face threats from developers, highlighting the urgency of preservation efforts.
The Supreme Court criticized the Residents’ Welfare Association for occupying the historic Gumti of Shaikh Ali tomb and rebuked the Archaeological Survey of India for failing to protect it. The court plans to appoint an archaeological expert to assess damages and emphasized the need to safeguard heritage sites for future generations.
A civil suit filed by Hindu Sena President Vishnu Gupta in the Ajmer District Court claims that the Ajmer Dargah was built over an ancient Shiva temple and seeks its restoration as Bhagwan Shri Sankatmochan Mahadev Virajman temple. The case is set to be heard on October 10, challenging the current religious status and ownership of the site.
Today, On 28th August, The Delhi High Court directed the Centre and ASI to produce documents regarding the decision not to declare Jama Masjid a protected monument. This followed PILs requesting its protection and removal of encroachments. The court warned of action if the missing documents were not presented and scheduled the main hearing for September 27.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court reversed the MP Waqf Board’s decision declaring certain historical monuments as Waqf property, impacting the ownership and preservation debate. The Archaeological Survey of India’s assertion of ownership under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act of 1904 was upheld, leading to orders for ASI to vacate the premises.
The government plans to limit the Waqf Board’s authority in declaring properties as ‘waqf assets’ and taking control over them. This legislation, which aims to enhance transparency and accountability, is part of broader efforts to address concerns about the arbitrary powers of the Waqf Boards. The proposed changes will require mandatory verification of properties and involve district magistrates in monitoring waqf properties.
Today(on 22nd July), The Madhya Pradesh High Court’s Indore bench adjourned the hearing on the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula mosque complex dispute after ASI submitted its survey report. The matter will be heard following the Supreme Court’s order. The complex is a site of contention between Hindu and Muslim communities, and a previous order regulates access for worship.
The Hindu Front asked the Supreme Court to lift the interim stay on the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Complex dispute. The ongoing legal battle centers around the religious significance of the site for both Hindu and Muslim communities. The Supreme Court agreed to consider listing the petition related to the dispute and declined to halt the ASI survey at the disputed sites.
Today,23rd April,The ASI requested an additional eight weeks to study the structures at the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh. The dispute arises from Hindu reverence of it as a temple, while Muslims see it as a mosque. The court will address the request on April 29. ASI is conducting a comprehensive survey with advanced scientific methods.