AIMPLB demands Supreme Court to stop lower courts from accepting such petitions

New Delhi, November 28, 2024: (Press Release) The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has expressed deep concern and anguish over the recent spate of claims on mosques and dargahs in various courts across the country. Following the unresolved issue of Sambhal’sJama Masjid, a new claim has emerged, asserting that the world-renowned Ajmer Dargah is the SankatMochanMahadev Temple. Unfortunately, the West Civil Court in Ajmer has accepted this petition for hearing and issued notices to the parties involved. The complainant has named the Dargah Committee, the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the Archaeological Survey of India as respondents.

Dr. S.Q.R. Ilyas, the National Spokesperson for AIMPLB, stated in a press statement that such claims are a blatant mockery of the law and the constitution, especially in light of the existence of the Places of Worship Act, 1991. This law, enacted by Parliament, clearly specifies that the status of any place of worship as of August 15, 1947, shall remain unchanged and cannot be challenged. The intent was clear to prevent any further targeting of mosques or other religious places following the Babri Masjid case.

However, it is deeply unfortunate and shameful that after the claims on Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi, ShahiEidgah in Mathura, Bhojshala Mosque in Madhya Pradesh, TeeleWali Masjid in Lucknow, and Sambhal’sJama Masjid, a claim has now been made on the historic Ajmer Dargah. Despite the law, the court has accepted Vishnu Gupta’s petition for hearing and issued notices to the parties. The petitioner alleges that the land of the dargah was originally a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, where worship and rituals like JalAbhishek were performed.

Dr.Ilyas pointed out that during the Babri Masjid case, the Supreme Court of India not only referred this law but also stated that no new claims could be entertained after the enactment of this law. Yet, when the lower court accepted the claim on Gyanvapi Mosque, the Muslim side approached the Supreme Court, arguing that such a claim should not be entertained given the Places of Worship Act. The court, however, softened its stance and allowed the survey, stating it did not violate the 1991 law. This has led to subsequent claims on ShahiEidgah in Mathura, TeeleWali Masjid in Lucknow, and now the Jama Masjid in Sambhal and Ajmer Dargah.

Dr.Ilyas has appealed to the Chief Justice of India to take immediate SuoMotu action in this matter and direct lower courts to refrain from opening doors to any further disputes.

Additionally, it is the responsibility of both central and state governments to strictly enforce this law passed by Parliament. Failure to do so could lead to an explosive situation across the country, for which the Supreme Court and the central government would be held accountable.