Supreme Court Refers Gyanvapi, Mathura And Sambhal Disputes To Special Lok Adalat

The Supreme Court has taken a significant step in the ongoing disputes related to the Gyanvapi complex in Varanasi, the Harihar Temple-Jama Masjid dispute in Sambhal and the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah land dispute in Mathura by referring the matters to a Special Lok Adalat, according to the information provided.

The initiative aims to encourage both Hindu and Muslim parties to resolve the disputes through dialogue.

A Special Lok Adalat will convene on August 21, 22 and 23, while the pre-conciliation hearing will take place in Varanasi on July 14.

Both sides reportedly received notices following the court’s order.

The move is part of the Supreme Court’s initiative to organise Special Lok Adalats to mark its 75th anniversary, to resolve long-pending cases through mutual settlement and reduce the burden on courts.

The report states that in the Sambhal dispute, the Uttar Pradesh government, in its earlier status report, maintained that the well inside the Jama Masjid is located on public land and rejected the mosque committee’s claim that it forms part of the mosque property. It also said the well is among 19 ancient wells being revived by the district administration for rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, with access intended for all communities.

The Mathura dispute concerns the long-pending land issue involving the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple and the adjacent Shahi Idgah mosque complex.

The report notes growing calls for the construction of a grand temple in Mathura on the lines of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya.

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