New Delhi, 30 September (H.S.):

The Supreme Court has expressed concern over repeated adjournments in a case concerning the Krishna Janmabhoomi–Shahi Idgah Masjid dispute. A Bench headed by Justice Sanjay Kumar observed that the matter had been delayed and that hearings were repeatedly being deferred from one date to another.

The Supreme Court is hearing a petition challenging an order of the Allahabad High Court, which had recognised one Hindu party as representing all devotees of Lord Krishna. During the hearing, the Court observed that it would have to hear all the parties and noted that the matter appeared to be unable to move forward, with the hearing being repeatedly adjourned. The observations came after the Court was informed that the parties involved in the proceedings before the High Court had been unable to reach a settlement. Earlier, the possibility of resolving differences within the Hindu side had also been raised.

The Court said it would hear the parties’ arguments on the merits of the case. However, owing to a shortage of time, the matter was adjourned until November 6 for further hearing.

The dispute over the site arose after members of the Hindu side filed a civil suit before a civil court, claiming that the Shahi Idgah Masjid had been constructed on land associated with the Krishna Janmabhoomi. The suit sought the removal of the mosque from its present location.

The civil suit was filed on behalf of the Hindu deity Lord Shri Krishna Virajman and certain Hindu devotees. The plaintiffs sought an order directing the removal of the mosque from the disputed site.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar