ALLAHABAD HC RESTORES PLEA SEEKING DIRECTION TO HANDOVER SHAHI MASJID TO HINDUS

A Bench of Chief Justice Rajesh Bindal and Justice Prakash Padia recently restored a petition that had been dismissed in default in January 2021. The PIL sought a direction to hand over Mathura's Shahi Masjid to Hindus.  

Advocate Mehek Maheshwari, through the petition, stated that Mathura's Shahi Masjid, which stands adjacent to Sri Krishna Temple, was built at the birthplace of Lord Krishna. He further said that it housed the Katra Keshavdev Temple, which was demolished by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in the 16th century, who then built the Shahi Masjid mosque in its place.

The petitioner further said that a mosque is not an essential part of Islam but it is for Hindus. Even if a site of worship is in ruins, it would still be important for Hindus. The plea has sought interim relief to permit Hindus to worship at the Masjid certain days a week and on Janmashtami.

The Court will hear the petition on 25 July.