Prayagraj: In a significant ruling in the ongoing legal battle over the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah mosque dispute in Mathura, the Allahabad High Court has dismissed a petition filed by the Hindu side seeking to declare the Shahi Idgah mosque a "disputed structure."
The plea—Application A-44—was moved by Advocate Mahendra Pratap Singh, representing one of the Hindu litigants, as part of a larger case alleging that the Shahi Idgah mosque encroaches on land belonging to the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple complex. The petition specifically sought a directive to replace all references to the “Shahi Idgah Mosque” in court records with the term “disputed structure.”
A single-judge bench of Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra heard arguments from both sides before rejecting the application. The Muslim side, which had filed a written objection to the petition, opposed any alteration of the mosque's official designation in court documents, arguing that such a change would prejudge the dispute.
Upholding the Muslim side’s objection, the court ruled that there was no ground to alter the terminology in the case proceedings at this stage, especially when the primary matter is still sub judice.
This petition is one among 18 legal applications filed by various Hindu groups over the past few years, all revolving around the contentious claim that the Shahi Idgah mosque was built on or near what many Hindus believe is the exact birthplace of Lord Krishna. The Hindu side has demanded removal or relocation of the mosque and a declaration of exclusive rights over the land.
The Shahi Idgah mosque, constructed in the 17th century during the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, stands adjacent to the Katra Keshav Dev temple complex in Mathura. The area has long been a flashpoint of religious contention, drawing comparisons to the Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute.
The Allahabad High Court is currently hearing several related petitions, and the latest ruling does not affect the core issue of ownership and rights over the land, which remains undecided. However, the rejection of Application A-44 is being viewed as a procedural win for the Muslim side, as it resists attempts to alter the language of official proceedings before a final verdict is delivered.
