New Delhi: On December 12, the Supreme Court of India issued an interim ruling that put a halt to the growing wave of litigation against Muslim religious places. The move was welcomed by several prominent Muslim organizations, who expressed their hope that this decision would deter malicious activities targeting mosques and shrines across the country. While some had hoped the Court would go further and quash a previous ruling that allowed the survey of ancient mosques, the interim order was seen as a step in the right direction.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) lauded the Supreme Court’s decision, which imposed restrictions on registering new suits and ordered a stay on surveys and effective judgments in ongoing cases until further notice. Dr. SQR Ilyas, AIMPLB spokesperson, called for the stay of ongoing cases, which he argued were disrupting communal harmony and undermining the spirit of the Places of Worship Act, 1991. This Act, which aims to preserve the religious character of places of worship as they stood on August 15, 1947, had been challenged in recent years, leading to the filing of numerous petitions in lower courts.
Dr. Ilyas emphasized that the Supreme Court had now effectively stopped any new developments in these cases and clarified that no civil court could pass judgments that contradicted the decisions of the apex court. The court also directed the Union government to submit its response to the petitions challenging the Act, with the counter-affidavit to be made publicly available.
In addition to AIMPLB, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (M) President Maulana Mahmood Madani, who is also a petitioner, echoed similar sentiments, stating that preserving peace and unity was paramount. He criticized those focused on finding temples under mosques, calling them enemies of national unity. He also reminded the audience that it was the relentless efforts of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind that led to the enactment of the 1991 Act, and the organization remains committed to its effective implementation.
The interim ruling also affects high-profile cases such as the Gyanvapi Masjid, Mathura Shahi Eidgah, and Sambhal Jama Masjid, where no further surveys or interim orders can alter the status of these religious sites. The ruling marks a significant step in the ongoing legal battle over the constitutionality of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991.
While the Supreme Court’s decision has been hailed as a victory by many, there remains a desire for a final, clear ruling on the matter, ensuring the Act’s full implementation and safeguarding the unity of the country. The case is expected to continue drawing public attention, with further hearings scheduled in the coming months.
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