#221: Kashi-Mathura Dispute
Temples, Mosque & Places of Worship Act 1991
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"Ayodhya toh jhaanki hai,
Kashi Mathura baaki hai"
Kya hai Kashi-Mathura ka issue?
What makes Places of Worship Act ineffective?
Socha Kabhi?🤔
Learn everything here🧵👇🏼
In this post, you will learn:
• Kashi & Mathura Case details
• Relevance of Places of Worship Act
Save this post & read till last to learn..
..why PoW Act is not applicable in these 2 cases!
Note: Both mosques stand next to temples
1. Gyanvyapi Mosque
2 Cases:
a) 2022
Varanasi district court had a petition from few women
Purpose?
Seek right to worship 'visible & invisible' deities...
...in the Gyanvyapi premises
These include Gauri-Ganesh & Hanuman ji
Result? Prayers have now started! :)
b) 1991
Suits seeking space for 'Lord Vishweshwar' Mandir
What're these based on?
• Lord Vishweshwar temple lies at center of compound
• Temple demolished by Aurangzeb in 1669
ASI Survey:
• Confirms temple prior to mosque
Above image also shows how temple walls were not even demolished!
Okay, and Mathura?👇🏼
2. Shahi Idgah Mosque, Mathura
• Mosque next to Shri Krishna Janambhoomi Mandir
• Claim: Mosque built over birthplace of Lord Krishna
• 1968: Dispute settled via compromise & a decree in 1974
(decree: official order on something MUST happen)
So, what's the issue now?
I have shared detailed revision notes about Places of Worship Act here
How's it not applicable in Kashi-Mathura case?
In both cases, courts refused staying the suit! Why?
a) Gyanvyapi
• Varanasi Court:
Plea"asserts right to worship & not convert status of the mosque"
• Allahabad HC (earlier)
PoWA 1991 does not define 'religious character'
Only examination of evidence determines character!
Therefore, act can't put absolute bar!
b) Shahi Idgah
• Mathura Court
Suit challenges not the PoW but 1968 decree
Since decree is pre 1991 Act, PoW does not apply!
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