The Supreme Court will hear the Muslim side’s petition in the Mathura Krishna Janmabhoomi dispute on April 8.
The court will examine the Hindu side’s claim that the disputed structure is a monument protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
A bench led by CJI Sanjeev Khanna issued a notice on another petition filed by the Muslim side and asked the Hindu side to file a reply.
CJI Khanna observed that since the mosque committee invoked the Places of Worship Act, 1991, the original plaintiff could legally demand that the ASI and the Centre join the case as parties.
He said the Allahabad High Court’s order appears legally sound. The Muslim side challenged that order in its first petition.
Hindu Side Argues ASI Protection Excludes Mosque Status
During the hearing, Advocate Vishnu Jain, appearing for the Hindu side, told the court that the ASI currently protects the structure.
He argued that a mosque cannot exist on such a site and that the Places of Worship Act does not apply to this property.
Muslim Side Challenges Clubbing Of 18 Cases
In a second petition, the Muslim side asked the court to restart the hearing on their objection to clubbing all 18 related cases.
The Allahabad High Court had earlier rejected that objection.
The Supreme Court issued a notice on this matter and sought replies from the Hindu side and others.
Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain had earlier told the High Court that the ASI maintains the site, which the government had declared an ancient monument.
The High Court accepted the plea to include the ASI and the Centre as parties.
The Muslim side moved the Supreme Court against this decision.
Advocate Harishankar Jain pointed out that the government had issued a gazette notification on December 27, 1920, under the Ancient Monuments Protection Act, 1904, declaring the disputed site a protected monument.
This legal battle remains a key part of the Mathura Krishna Janmabhoomi dispute.
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