Allahabad High Court Directs Registry To Digitize All Records Relating To Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Case
The Allahabad High Court recently directed the Registrar (Judicial) (Computer) to take necessary steps for digitization of all records relating to the Sri Krishna Janmbhumi title dispute cases, for ensuring the safety and preservation of case documents.
The order was passed by a bench of Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra, who has now been shifted to the Lucknow Bench of the HC.
It may be noted that the HC is presently dealing with 18 civil suits pertaining to the Krishna Janmabhumi title dispute.
In these cases, a common prayer has been made seeking the removal of the Shahi Idgah mosque from the 13.37-acre complex that it shares with the Katra Keshav Dev temple in Mathura. Additional prayers include seeking possession of the Shahi Idgah premises and demolishing the present structure.
In August last year, the High Court DISMISSED the Order 7 Rule 11 CPC petition filed by the Mathura-based Shahi Eidgah (mosque) committee challenging the maintainability of 18 suits filed by Hindu worshipers and deity Shri Krishna Virajman, in connection with the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah Mosque dispute in Mathura.
Last month, the High Court dismissed an application filed by plaintiffs no. 2 to 5 in the suit no 7 of Krishna Janmabhoomi–Shahi Idgah title dispute cases seeking the removal of Shri Kaushal Kishore Thakur Ji @ Kaushal Singh Tomar as the next friend of plaintiff no. 1, the deity Bhagwan Shri Krishna Lala Virajman.
Recently, the HC DISMISSED an application seeking to substitute the term 'Shahi Idgah Mosque' with 'disputed structure' in all future proceedings related to the cases before the HC.
Background
The controversy is related to the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb-era Shahi Eidgah mosque at Mathura, which is alleged to have been built after demolishing a temple at the birthplace of Lord Krishna.
In 1968, a 'compromise agreement' was brokered between the Shri Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sansthan, which is the temple management authority, and the Trust Shahi Masjid Eidgah, allowing both places of worship to operate simultaneously. However, the validity of this agreement has now been challenged in the fresh suits by parties seeking various forms of relief in courts with respect to Krishna Janmabhoomi. The litigants' contention is that the compromise agreement was made fraudulently and is invalid in law. Claiming a right to worship at the disputed site, many of them have sought the Shahi Eidgah mosque's removal.
In May 2023, the Allahabad High Court transferred to itself all suits pending before the Mathura Court praying for various reliefs pertaining to the dispute.
This transfer order was challenged in the Supreme Court by the mosque committee, and later by the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board.
In December 2023, the High Court allowed a plea seeking the appointment of a court commissioner to inspect the Shahi Idgah Mosque. In January, 2024, the Supreme Court stayed the implementation of the order. Subsequently, this stay was extended.