In a crucial development, the Supreme Court of India has declined to issue a stay order on the Allahabad High Court’s decision permitting a scientific survey of the Shahi Idgah Mosque complex in Mathura.
The apex court rejected an oral plea by the Muslim Committee to halt the order, allowing the appointment of a court commissioner for the inspection of the mosque. Vishnu Shankar Jain, the lawyer for the Hindu side, stated, “The High Court order will continue, and there is no stay by the Supreme Court.”
Hindu parties argue that the 17th-century Mughal-era mosque in Mathura was built after demolishing a temple at Lord Krishna’s birthplace. The Allahabad High Court’s approval for a scientific survey in the Shahi Idgah Mosque complex stands, and the proceedings will proceed without a stay from the Supreme Court.
The court appointed an advocate commissioner on Thursday and granted in-principle approval for surveying the Shahi Idgah mosque complex, with modalities to be decided on December 18. This survey follows a similar approach to the one conducted at the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi.
As of now, nine cases have been filed in the Mathura Court regarding the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi and Shahi Idgah Masjid cases, marking a significant legal development in the ongoing dispute.