Prince Yakub Habibuddin Tursi, a descendant of the Mughal family, seeks to intervene in the court case, asserting historical ownership and highlighting the mosque’s unique heritage.
Team Clarion
ALIGARH — The ongoing dispute over the Uparkot Jama Masjid in Aligarh has taken a n ew turn as descendant of Mughal ruler Bahadur Shah Zafar has staked his claim to the historic mosque. The mosque, which is already at the centre of a legal battle between Hindu and Muslim groups, has now drawn the attention of Prince Yakub Habibuddin Tursi, who claims to be the last descendant of the Mughal family.
Prince Yakub has announced his intention to file an appeal to become a third party in the case, arguing that his family holds historical ownership of the mosque. He has appointed advocate Chaudhary Ifrahim Hussain to represent him in court. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for February 15.
The dispute began when Pandit Keshavdev, a resident of Melrose Bypass, filed a case in the court of the Senior Civil Judge, claiming that the Uparkot Jama Masjid is an ancient Hindu temple. He presented evidence, including reports from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), to support his claim. However, the mosque’s significance as a site of historical and religious importance for Muslims has added complexity to the case.
Advocate Ifrahim Hussain, representing Prince Yakub, emphasised on the mosque’s unique heritage. “This mosque is the only one in India that houses the graves of 73 martyrs. Such an example of patriotism is not found in any other mosque. It is wrong to bring such a mosque into controversy,” he said.
Prince Yakub’s intervention adds a new layer to the already contentious case. “We are the last descendants of the Mughal family, so we will file an application to become a party in this case,” he stated. His claim is expected to further complicate the legal proceedings, as both Hindu and Muslim groups continue to assert their rights over the site.
The Uparkot Jama Masjid has long been a symbol of Aligarh’s rich cultural and religious history. The mosque’s architecture and the presence of the martyrs’ graves have made it a site of reverence for many. However, the recent claims by the Hindu side have sparked a heated debate, with both parties presenting historical and archaeological evidence to support their arguments.
As the case heads to court on February 15, all eyes are on the legal battle that could have far-reaching implications for the preservation of historical sites and the delicate balance of religious harmony in the region.
“This is not just about ownership; it’s about preserving our shared heritage,” said a local resident, reflecting the sentiments of many in Aligarh. The outcome of the case will likely set a precedent for similar disputes across the country.
