The Allahabad High court on Thursday directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to file its reply in a suit seeking ASI survey of Jama Masjid of Agra, claiming that remains of idols of Thakur Keshavdev, which was worshiped in Krishna Janambhoomi, were buried in the mosque after it was attacked by the army of Aurangzeb in 1670.
Plaintiff had also requested for appointment of advocate commissioner in the case for survey of the Jama Masjid.
Justice Mayank Kumar Jain, who passed this order, was hearing one of the 18 consolidated suits related to Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah case, which was filed in the name of deity- Thakur Keshav Dev Ji, Maharaj Virajman Mandir Katra Keshavdev through his devotee.
Plaintiff in the suit has claimed that Aurangzeb had demolished the temple of Keshavdev in 1670 and buried the idol under the Jama Masjid in Agra.
Earlier, Committee of management Shah Masjidi Idgah of Mathura had moved an impleadment application requesting the court to add it as a defendant in the suit. During the course of hearing, a copy of the impleadment application was provided to the Hindu side plaintiff in the suit.
Passing the above direction, the court observed, “An application (A-5) is moved on behalf of plaintiff to direct the respondent-authority to make SIT Report as well as archaeological survey by the competent authority and Advocate Commissioner be also appointed for making SIT report as well as archaeological survey by the competent authority. Manoj Kumar Singh, the counsel for the defendants may file reply to this application by the date fixed.”
Now, the court has fixed August 5,2024 as the next date of hearing in the case.
