Allahabad High Court hears plea to reconsider consolidation of multiple civil cases in long-standing dispute
Team Clarion
PRAYAGRAJ — The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday reserved the order on a request from the Muslim side in the ongoing Mathura Shahi Eidgah-Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi dispute, seeking the withdrawal of a previous court order that mandated a simultaneous hearing of all related civil cases. The plea, which was heard on Wednesday, calls for reconsideration of the order to jointly hear all 18 cases, arguing that each case involves distinct reliefs and legal grounds.
The matter is being presided over by Justice Mayank Kumar Jain, who earlier ruled that the cases should be heard together, citing judicial efficiency. However, the Muslim side, represented by Tasnim Ahmadi, expressed concerns over the order, claiming that the cases are too different to be treated as one. “The requests in each of the 15 suits are separate, and it is unjust to hear them together. There is no similarity between them,” Ahmadi argued via video conferencing. He further added that the order was not conclusive, as it did not have the consent of all parties involved.
On the other hand, Satyabir Singh, representing the Hindu side, contended that the law allows for the consolidation of cases if deemed appropriate by the court. “The court is empowered to hear multiple cases together, and it exercised this authority in the interest of justice. The Muslim side had previously remained silent on the matter of joint hearings, suggesting their tacit approval,” Singh remarked. He also pointed out that the Muslim side had not raised any objections earlier in the trial, only focusing on the merits of the case.
The hearing marks the latest development in a series of legal proceedings concerning the disputed land, which involves 18 separate civil suits related to the Shahi Eidgah mosque and the adjoining temple. On August 1, Justice Jain dismissed another plea from the Muslim side, which challenged the validity of the suit filed by Hindu worshippers. The court ruled that the cases could proceed under the law, rejecting arguments based on the Limitation Act, the Waqf Act, and the Places of Worship Act of 1991, which protects religious structures existing before August 15, 1947.
The legal battle, which centres on the ownership and control of the Shahi Eidgah mosque, has drawn significant attention due to its sensitive nature. The Hindu plaintiffs are seeking to reclaim the site, arguing that the mosque stands on the birthplace of Lord Krishna.
