Badaun Jama Masjid: UP Court Sets Next Hearing On December 3

A major development has occurred in the ongoing legal dispute between Jama Masjid in Badaun and Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.

During a hearing today on November 30, 2024 at the Special Fast Track Court, the case was adjourned, with the next hearing set for December 3, 2024.

The court had called upon both Muslim and Hindu sides for arguments, and today, the Muslim party was expected to present their case.

At the same time, the Hindu party’s lawyers were also invited to put forward their arguments. The case centers around claims made by Hindu leader Mukesh Patel in 2022, who asserted that the Jama Masjid site was originally a Hindu temple dedicated to Neelkanth Mahadev.

Claim of a Temple at the Jama Masjid Site

In 2022, Mukesh Patel, the state convener of the All India Hindu Mahasabha, made a controversial claim that the Jama Masjid site in Badaun had originally been the location of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. He alleged that the mosque was built on the site after the temple was destroyed. Patel’s claim has sparked intense legal and political debate, with calls for the restoration of the alleged temple.

Government’s Position and the Legal Proceedings

During the November 30 hearing, the government side completed its arguments, focusing on whether the case should be heard in court. The primary issue being debated is whether the case is valid for judicial review.

The next step in the proceedings will occur on December 3, when the Muslim side will present its full arguments. After that, the Hindu Mahasabha will submit a detailed response to the points raised by the Muslim side.

Petition for Permission to Worship at Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

In addition to the historical claims, the Hindu Mahasabha’s lawyer has filed a petition seeking permission for the Hindu community to worship at the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple site. This petition is currently under review, and the court will decide if it should be admitted for hearing. The primary issue at hand is whether such a petition is legally valid and whether it can be heard by the court.

Argument from the Muslim Side

On behalf of the Jama Masjid’s managing committee, lawyer Anwar Alam has strongly denied the claim that the mosque was built over a Hindu temple. Alam argued in court that the mosque has been standing for over 800 years and that the assertion that it was constructed over a destroyed temple is completely unfounded. He further stated that the Hindu Mahasabha has no legal grounds to file a suit over this matter.

Next Steps in the Case

With both parties yet to complete their arguments, the court has decided to adjourn the hearing until December 3. Once the Muslim side has concluded its arguments, the Hindu Mahasabha will have the opportunity to file a detailed response.

This case is set to remain a significant legal and political issue in Uttar Pradesh, with potential implications for religious and cultural sites across the region.

The outcome of this case will likely have broader consequences for religious disputes in India, especially those involving historical sites claimed by both Hindus and Muslims.

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