Krishna Janmabhoomi Case: Allahabad HC Gives Last Chance To File Reply In Plea Seeking Transfer Of Suit

The Allahabad high court recently gave one last chance to the respondents to file their respective replies by April 7 in response to a petition seeking to transfer of Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi case from a Mathura court to the high court.

In this case, Hindu devotees have claimed the right over land where Masjid Idgah is built. The petitioners requested that the original trial must be conducted by the high court itself.

The court fixed April 11 as the next date of hearing in the case while directing the respondents to the committee managing the Shahi Masjid Idgah next to Krishna Janmabhoomi temple, Shree Krishna Janmabhoomi Trust, Katra Keshav Dev, Deeg Gate, Mathura and Shreekrishna Janm Sthan Sewa Sansthan, Katra Keshav Dev, Deeg Gate, Mathura to file their respective replies by April 7 through e-mode of the high court.

Therefore, the court directed the petitioners to file their rejoinder affidavits after receipt of the counter affidavit through e-mode.

The transfer petition filed by Bhagwan Shrikrishna Virajman at Katra Keshav Dev Khewat Mathura (deity) through next friend Ranjana Agnihotri and seven others, Justice Arvind Kumar Mishra-1 observed, “Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, particularly the interest of justice, no more time but last chance is given by 7th of April, 2023. Let counter affidavit through e-mode be filed in this case and copies whereof be supplied to the parties prior to such filing. In case no copy of the counter affidavit is served upon the parties concerned, where the court will proceed further with the case on the next date fixed.”

Earlier, on March 15, this court gave the last chance to all the respondents in this case to file their respective replies. On Tuesday, when the case was taken up, the court found that no response has been submitted till now.

However, the court accepted the request of the respondents for further time, observing that “It is clarified that filing of the counter affidavit and rejoinder affidavit, as directed, would be done through e-mode of this high court and no latitude should be shown by either of the sides.”

The applicants filed a civil suit before the civil judge (senior division) for a declaration and injunction claiming the right of the Hindu community over the Masjid Idgah while stating it was constructed after demolishing Hindu temples and such construction can’t be a mosque as no waqf was ever created and the land was never dedicated for the construction of the mosque.

Earlier, at one stage, the petitioners’ counsels argued that the issues involved in the matter concern crores of devotees of Lord Krishna, and the matter are of national importance. The substantial questions of law and several questions relating to the interpretation of the Constitution which is involved in the suits aforesaid can be conveniently decided by the high court is the constitutional court.

Besides, the petitioners’ counsel took the plea that the case involves questions relating to history, the scriptures, the interpretation of Hindu and Muslim law, and also several questions relating to the interpretation of the Constitution.

Therefore, the petitioners’ counsel stated that all the suits pending before the court below may be transferred to high court.