HC gives final chance to submit response in plea for suit transfer in Krishna Janmabhoomi case

Prayagraj: In a petition asking for the transfer of the Sri Krishna Janambhoomi case currently pending before a Mathura court to the high court, the Allahabad High Court on Tuesday gave all respondents one final opportunity to submit their replies by April 7. Hindu believers have asserted their claim to ownership of the plot of ground where the Shahi Idgah mosque is located in this case.

The court directed the respondents - Management Committee of the Shahi Masjid Idgah next to Krishna Janmabhoomi temple, Shree Krishna Janmabhoomi Trust, Katra Keshav Dev, Deeg Gate, Mathura and Shri Krishna Janma Sthan Sewa Sansthan, Katra Keshav Dev, Deeg Gate, Mathura to file their respective replies through e-mode by April 7.

The court also directed the petitioners to file their rejoinder affidavits after receipt of counter affidavits through e-mode and fixed April 11, 2023, as the next date of hearing in the case.

Hearing a transfer petition filed by Bhagwan Shrikrishna Virajman at Katra Keshav Dev Khewat Mathura (deity) through Ranjana Agnihotri and seven others, Justice Arvind Kumar Mishra observed, "Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, particularly the interest of justice, no more time but last chance is given by 7th of April, 2023."

On March 15, the high court asked all the respondents in this case to file their respective replies in 10 days. However, on Tuesday when the case was taken up, the court found that no response had been submitted till now.

However, the court accepted the request of the respondents for further time, observing, “It is clarified that filing of a counter affidavit and rejoinder affidavit, as directed, will be done through e-mode of this High Court and no latitude should be shown by either of the sides.”

The applicants had filed a civil suit before the civil judge (senior division) for declaration and injunction claiming the right of the Hindu community over Idgah mosque while stating it was constructed after demolishing Hindu temples and such construction cannot be a mosque as no Waqf was ever created and the land was never dedicated for construction of the mosque.

With PTI inputs