Allahabad HC says Shahi Idgah mosque ‘not disputed’, rejects plea

Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court on Friday dismissed a petition seeking to label the Shahi Idgah mosque in Mathura a disputed structure in the case concerning the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah complex.

The plea was filed by Mahendra Pratap Singh, President of the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Mukti Nyas.

Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra presided over the matter and delivered the verdict as scheduled after reserving it upon hearing both sides.

According to the petitioner, the mosque currently occupies the original site of a Hindu temple.

He claimed that “the mosque structure bears symbols of Hindu deities on its walls” and said, “the Muslim side has not provided any documentary evidence to prove it to be a mosque.”

He also argued that “the structure is not listed in the official land records (Khasra-Khatauni), has no municipal records, and no taxes have been paid for it – therefore, it should not be recognised as a mosque.”

The Muslim side strongly contested the claims, maintaining that the Shahi Idgah mosque has stood on the site “for over 400 years”.

They argued that “the demand to declare the structure disputed is baseless and must be dismissed.”

The court concurred with the Muslim side and rejected the plea, noting that the Shahi Idgah does not qualify as a disputed property — a distinction the petitioner sought to draw by invoking the Babri Masjid case.

This was one among 18 petitions filed by the Hindu side in connection with claims over land around the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi.

The broader controversy revolves around the Shahi Idgah mosque, believed to have been built during Aurangzeb’s reign. The Hindu side contends the structure was erected after a temple marking Lord Krishna’s birthplace was demolished.

(inputs from IANS)