Inspection Approval Reignites Mathura’s Janmabhoomi-Idgah Dispute

Court’s Decision and Its Implications

• The recent decision by the Allahabad High Court on December 14 to permit an inspection of the Shahi Idgah mosque complex has reignited the long-standing Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah Masjid dispute in Mathura. This decision stems from an application linked to a petition involving eight individuals, including the representative of Bhagwan Shree Krishna Virajman.

Nature of the Application and Court’s Action

• This application is part of a larger plea seeking the removal of structures claimed to encroach upon the disputed land adjacent to the Krishna Janmasthal Temple. The court’s approval for the survey of the Shahi Idgah mosque is a crucial step in addressing these contentions.

Demands and Legal Challenges

• The petitioners are pushing for the removal of alleged encroachments by the UP Sunni Central Waqf Board and the mosque committee. Additionally, they seek the transfer of this contested land to the Shree Krishna Janmbhoomi Trust, challenging the validity of a compromise agreement from 1968 between relevant parties.

Historical Context and Assertions

• Citing historical records, the Hindu petitioners claim that Emperor Aurangzeb ordered the demolition of Hindu temples, including one at Lord Krishna’s birthplace, to construct the Idgah Mosque in 1669-70. They reference the Official Court Bulletin from the period as evidence supporting their claims.

Counterarguments and Disputed Claims

• Representatives from the UP Sunni Central Waqf Board and the mosque committee challenge these assertions, contending that the mosque does not fall within the disputed 13.37 acres. They also dispute the location identified as Krishna’s birthplace, asserting a lack of documentary evidence supporting the Hindu claims.

Ownership and Historical Transactions

• The land’s history involves shifts in ownership, originally being nazul land auctioned by the East India Company in 1815. Subsequent transactions led to ownership rights being transferred to the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Trust, initially established by Jugal Kishore Birla.

Parallel with Varanasi’s Gyanvapi Case

• This Mathura dispute mirrors the Gyanvapi Mosque dispute in Varanasi, where a court-ordered survey revealed conflicting claims over a structure labeled as a “shivling” by Hindus and a “fountain” by Muslims. Similarities extend to legal challenges faced post the archaeological surveys in both cases.

Continuing Legal Battles and Broader Implications

• The complexities of addressing historical claims and legal processes in these religiously significant sites continue to unfold through legal battles. These disputes hold broader implications, highlighting the challenges of maintaining communal harmony while navigating sensitive historical and religious sentiments in India.