In a recent development in the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah case, the Hindu side has accused the Waqf Board of a consistent pattern of encroachment on properties, alleging that the board claims assets that do not rightfully belong to it. This assertion was made before the Allahabad High Court during a hearing on Tuesday, as reported by PTI.
The argument arose within the context of a plea challenging the suit seeking the removal of the Shahi Idgah mosque adjacent to the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura. Rina N Singh, counsel for the Hindu side, emphasized that such practices by the Waqf Board cannot be tolerated.
The case, presided over by Justice Mayank Kumar Jain, involves applications from the Muslim side challenging the maintainability of 18 consolidated suits. The Hindu side had previously argued that the temple is a protected monument and should be governed under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
Singh further contended that while the Muslim side claims the property became a waqf property through a 1968 compromise, the deity, the rightful owner of the property, was not party to this agreement. Additionally, she argued that the provisions of the Places of Worship Act and the Waqf Act are not applicable in this case.
Earlier in the proceedings, the Hindu side had emphasized the fundamental right of Hindus to worship at the Krishna Janmabhoomi, citing its status as a protected monument and a monument of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. Advocate Rahul Sahai, representing the plaintiff in one of the suits, stressed that the determination of the religious character of a place or structure should be adjudicated by a civil court based on evidence.
The Muslim side is expected to present its arguments following the completion of the Hindu side’s submissions.
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