By Rajesh Pandey
In a significant development in the ongoing Krishna Janmabhoomi–Shahi Eidgah title dispute, the Allahabad High Court on Friday fixed January 30 as the next date of hearing.
Justice Avnish Saxena scheduled the date after hearing arguments from counsels representing both sides.
The Court also verified documents pertaining to certain amendments made in the pleadings.
Trust Seeks Inclusion of Dhirendra Krishna Shastri as Spiritual Witness
In a fresh application submitted before the Court, the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Mukti Nirman Trust sought the inclusion of Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, Peethadheshwar of Bageshwar Dham, as a spiritual witness in the case.
The Trust asserted that Shastri possesses extensive knowledge of Hindu religious traditions and the historical background of the disputed site.
The application also claimed that the records of Nagar Nigam, Mathura, contain no reference to the Shahi Eidgah, an argument the Hindu side believes strengthens its case.
Court Earlier Flagged Voluminous Records
At an earlier stage, the High Court had noted the massive volume of documents involved in the decades-long litigation.
The bench had directed both parties to file objections in all pending applications to expedite the process.
The Court had also ordered that the entire record be reorganised and renumbered strictly in accordance with the General Rules (Civil), to streamline further proceedings.
Multiple Suits Filed by the Hindu Side
The Hindu petitioners have filed 18 separate suits seeking:
- Possession of the land currently occupied by the Shahi Eidgah mosque,
- Removal of the mosque structure,
- Restoration of the original Krishna temple, and
- A permanent injunction to prevent any interference in their religious rights.
August 1, 2024 Order Upheld Maintainability of Hindu Suits
On August 1, 2024, the High Court dismissed applications filed by the Muslim side challenging the maintainability of the suits. The Court ruled that:
- All suits filed by Hindu worshippers are maintainable,
- The claims are not barred by the Limitation Act,
- They are not prohibited under the Waqf Act, and
- They are not barred by the Places of Worship Act, 1991, which disallows alteration of the religious character of places of worship as they stood on August 15, 1947.
Background of the Dispute
The dispute centres on the Shahi Eidgah mosque in Mathura, believed to have been built during the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
Hindu petitioners allege that the mosque stands on the original site of a temple marking the birthplace of Lord Krishna, which they claim was demolished under Mughal rule.
The case continues to be one of the most closely watched religious and historical disputes in the country.
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