The Supreme Court has extended its stay on the Allahabad High Court's order permitting a court-monitored survey of the Shahi Eidgah Mosque complex. This mosque is situated next to the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura, a site of immense religious significance for Hindus.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, along with Justices Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan, deferred the hearing to the week beginning April 1. The interim stay issued earlier by the High Court on the mosque survey will remain in effect until the Supreme Court decides the matter.
The petition challenging the survey was filed by the Committee of Management of Trust Shahi Masjid Idgah. The committee opposed the High Court's decision to allow the survey, which was to be supervised by a court-appointed commissioner.
The controversy stems from claims by Hindu litigants that the Shahi Eidgah Mosque was constructed on land belonging to the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple. They argue that signs within the premises indicate the prior existence of a temple at the site.
The High Court, in its December 14, 2023, order, had allowed a court-monitored survey of the mosque complex. It also suggested the formation of a three-member commission of advocates to oversee the process, with instructions to ensure no damage would be caused to the mosque's structure.
However, this decision was challenged in the Supreme Court, leading to the top court issuing an interim stay on January 16, 2024.
The mosque management committee argued that the survey order should be quashed, asserting that the premises have long been used as a mosque and hold significant value for the Muslim community.
The dispute centres on the Shahi Eidgah Mosque, which is alleged to have been constructed on the site of the birthplace of Lord Krishna.
Hindu litigants, including a deity Bhagwan Shri Krishna Virajman and several devotees, have filed a civil suit claiming that the mosque was built on a 13.37-acre plot belonging to the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Trust.
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