Allahabad HC Greenlights Survey of Mathura Idgah in Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Case

In a significant development surrounding the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah Masjid dispute, the Allahabad High Court has granted permission for a survey of the mosque complex, reigniting attention on this longstanding controversy. Filed under Order 26 Rule 9 CPC as part of petition 353/2023, the application seeks a comprehensive examination of the Shahi Idgah mosque, with additional requests for intervention from the court.

The petition, presented by eight individuals, including the "next friend" of Bhagwan Shree Krishna Virajman, puts forth multiple demands. Firstly, it urges the High Court to issue an order directing the UP Sunni Central Waqf Board and the Shahi Idgah mosque committee to remove any construction encroaching upon the disputed land. Furthermore, the petition seeks a directive for both opposing parties to surrender the land to the Shree Krishna Janmbhoomi Trust within the court-specified timeframe.

In addition, the plea requests a court order restraining the Waqf Board, the mosque committee, and their representatives from entering the premises of the 13.37 acres of land at Katra Keshav Dev City and District Mathura.

The legal document also challenges a "compromise agreement" dating back to October 12, 1968, between the Shri Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sansthan (the temple management authority) and the Trust Shahi Masjid Idgah. The petition deems this agreement "illegal and void," arguing that the Shree Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sangh society had no rightful claim over the involved property.

The Hindu petition asserts that Aurangzeb, who ruled the country during that period, issued orders for the demolition of numerous Hindu religious sites and temples, including the one standing at the birthplace of Lord Shree Krishna in Katra Keshav Dev, Mathura, in 1669-70 AD. The plea contends that the army of Aurangzeb partly succeeded in demolishing the Keshav Dev Temple, leading to the construction of the Idgah Mosque by force.

Furthermore, the petition cites an official court bulletin (Akhbaraat) from January-February 1670, which reportedly records the order for the demolition issued by Aurangzeb.

As this legal battle unfolds, it is essential to recognize the Muslim side's counterclaims, which are likely to play a crucial role in the ongoing narrative of the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah Masjid dispute.