Supreme Court Rejects Stay On Shahi Idgah Survey Amid Krishna Janmabhoomi Dispute

The Supreme Court refuses to halt the survey of Mathura's Shahi Idgah, instigating a heated dispute over the contested land believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna.

Outlook Web Desk

Updated on: 15 December 2023 3:45 pm

Shahi Idgah mosque complex in Mathura

In a significant development regarding the Krishna Janmabhoomi land dispute in Mathura, the Supreme Court has declined to halt the order endorsing the survey of the Shahi Idgah on the contested land. Hindu groups, asserting that the mosque stands on the birthplace of Lord Krishna, sought the survey, with a local court admitting the demand last December. Despite objections from the Muslim side in the High Court, the Supreme Court refused to stay the proceedings and set a date of January 9 for addressing challenges to the transfer order.

Notably, Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, stated, "The High Court order will continue, and the High Court will proceed with the matter, and there is no stay by the Supreme Court."

In a groundbreaking move, the Allahabad High Court granted permission for a scientific survey of the Shahi Idgah complex in Mathura, appointing an advocate commissioner on Thursday. The modalities for the advocate commission's survey will be determined on December 18.

The legal saga began when Lucknow resident Ranjana Agnihotri filed a lawsuit, asserting ownership of 13.37 acres of land at Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi and seeking the removal of the Shahi Idgah mosque constructed in the same vicinity. The suit contends that the mosque, built in 1669-70 on the orders of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, encroaches upon the 13.37-acre premises of the Katra Keshav Dev temple, situated near the birthplace of Lord Krishna.

This case is one of 18 now consolidated in the High Court, which took jurisdiction over the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Masjid dispute by transferring all pending suits from the local court in Mathura.