Rehan Khan
On 10th January, the Supreme Court of India expressed initial approval of the Allahabad High Court’s decision to consolidate and jointly hear all suits related to the Krishna Janmabhoomi–Shahi Idgah dispute. The case, titled Committee of Management Trust Shahi Idgah vs Bhagwan Shrikrishna Virajman Next Friend and Ors., involves contentious claims over the land where the Shahi Idgah Mosque currently stands.
A Division-Bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justice PV Sanjay Kumar opined that combining the suits would be beneficial for both Hindu and Muslim parties, as it would eliminate the need for multiple proceedings.
“Why should we intervene in the issue of consolidation of suits?” the Court inquired during the hearing.
Responding to the concerns raised by the counsel for the Committee of Management Trust Shahi Idgah, who argued that consolidating dissimilar suits might lead to complications, the Bench countered, “No complications at all. It is in your benefit and their benefit also that multiple proceedings are avoided.”
The Court eventually adjourned the matter to the first week of April 2025. Addressing the broader implications of consolidation, the Bench remarked, “What difference will it make if it’s consolidated? Now the written submissions are also taken on record. But anyways consolidation makes no difference at all. We will adjourn this. I do not know why everything needs to be contested.”
The Supreme Court was hearing a challenge brought by the Muslim side against the Allahabad High Court’s order, which had granted the Hindu parties’ plea for consolidating the suits.
The dispute originated when Hindu devotees, representing the deity Bhagwan Shri Krishna Virajman, filed a civil suit claiming that the Shahi Idgah Mosque was constructed on land belonging to Krishna Janmabhoomi. The plaintiffs sought the mosque’s removal, arguing that historical evidence suggested the site was originally a Hindu temple.
Initially dismissed by a Civil Court in September 2020 under the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, the case gained traction after the Mathura District Court overturned the decision in May 2022, ruling the suit maintainable. Subsequently, the matter was transferred to the Allahabad High Court in 2023.
In December 2023, the High Court allowed an application filed by the Hindu side for the appointment of a court commissioner to inspect the Shahi Idgah Mosque. The Supreme Court had previously declined to stay this order.
Case Title: Committee of Management Trust Shahi Idgah vs Bhagwan Shrikrishna Virajman Next Friend and Ors.
Case Number: SLP (C) No.6388/2024
Bench: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justice PV Sanjay Kumar