SC dismisses mosque committee's objection, backs merging of Sri Krishna-Shahi Idgah lawsuits

The Supreme Court, on Friday, 10 January 2025, indicated its support for the Allahabad High Court’s decision to consolidate 15 lawsuits concerning the Mathura Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah Masjid dispute.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar took a prima facie stance favouring the High Court’s move, suggesting it serves the interests of both parties involved in the litigation.

The controversy stems from a directive issued by the Allahabad High Court on 11 January 2024, which ordered the consolidation of 15 suits filed by a Hindu plaintiff, citing the "interest of justice" as the rationale.

During the Supreme Court hearing, the Bench questioned the necessity of intervening in the consolidation matter at this stage. "Why should we interfere on the issue of consolidation? In any case, we are hearing the issue," remarked Chief Justice Khanna. He further advised the lawyer representing the mosque committee that the plea challenging the consolidation could be raised at a later date if deemed necessary.

The mosque committee’s lawyer argued that the lawsuits were not homogeneous and that their consolidation could lead to procedural complications. However, the Bench dismissed these concerns, highlighting the benefits of avoiding multiple proceedings and suggesting that consolidation is advantageous for both sides.

The Supreme Court's stance aligns with its earlier order from 12 December 2024, where it restrained courts across the country from entertaining fresh lawsuits or passing interim or final orders in pending cases aimed at reclaiming religious places, particularly mosques and dargahs.

The Bench concluded by adjourning the hearing and scheduling the plea for relisting in the week commencing 1 April 2025, reiterating that consolidation would not cause any significant difference to the legal proceedings.