Shahi Idgah–Krishna Janmabhoomi Dispute: Supreme Court Upholds High Court’s Verdict

National News: In the royal Idgah and Krishna Janmabhoomi dispute, the Supreme Court on Monday termed the Allahabad High Court order prima facie correct. The apex court clearly stated that the High Court allowed the Hindu party to amend its petition and make the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) a party in the case.

A bench of Chief Justice Sanjeev Khanna and Justice PV Sanjay Kumar, while hearing the appeal of the Muslim side, said that the Hindu side has every right to amend the original petition. The court denied the arguments of the Muslim side, saying, "The High Court must have allowed amendment."

Why did the Hindu side ask for amendment?

The Hindu side had sought amendments in the Allahabad High Court, claiming that the disputed site ASI had been declared a protected monument. He argued that the place of worship act, 1991, does not apply to protected monuments. As such, the disputed site cannot be used as a mosque. On this basis, the Hindu side had also demanded the inclusion of the Archaeological Survey of India as a party in the case, which was approved by the High Court in March 2024.

Court dismissed the objection of the Muslim side

The Muslim side filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against this order of the High Court. On April 4, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Hindu side on this appeal and sought a reply. Now during the hearing, the court dismissed the objection of the Muslim side and said that the matter is worth listening and amendment should have been allowed.

The Supreme Court has given time to the Muslim side to file its detailed written reply and postponed the case till the next hearing.

Both sides logic regarding the place of worship

The Hindu side says that under the notification issued in 1920, this site is a protected monument, hence the place of worship act does not apply. While the Muslim side says that the amendment petition of the Hindu side is an attempt to weaken the provisions of the Puja Site Act of 1991, which orders to maintain the status of 15 August 1947 of religious places.

What will happen next?

Following this decision of the Supreme Court, the hearing of the case in the High Court will move forward with the revised claims of the Hindu side and the participation of ASI. This can lead to a new twist in the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute.