Shahi Idgah row: Mathura court orders Gyanvapi Masjid-like survey from January 2

A Mathura court ordered the survey of the Shahi Idgah Mosque from January 2, which is said to be constructed on the Krishna Janmabhoomi, or the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The survey report has to be submitted by January 20, 2023.

The lawsuit was filed by the national president of Hindu Sena Vishnu Gupta and vice president of Surjit Singh Yadav on December 8. They claimed in the court that the Idgah was constructed by the then Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb by demolishing the temple on 13.37 acres of land of Lord Krishna’s birthplace. The petitioners claimed that the Idgah was built on the premises of Katra Keshav Deva temple.

In addition to the mosque’s alleged Hindu architecture, petitioners assert that motifs from temples such as om, swastika, and lotus can be found there. The court ordered a video graphic survey of the Shahi Idgah Mosque like the Gyanvapi Masjid where the Shivling was said to be found during a survey.

Along with it, the petition challenged the 1968 agreement made between Shahi Masjid Idgah and Shri Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sangh. Civil Judge Sonika Verma, Senior Division III, served notice to all defendants.

Earlier, the Krishna Janmabhoomi lawsuit had been dismissed by the Mathura court stating, if it had been filed, other worshippers might approach the court in various cases. 

Petitioners then filed an appeal in opposition to the decision. The petitioners in the lawsuit argued that they have a right to petition the court as devotees of Lord Krishna. They said that they are entitled to worship at the actual birthplace of Lord Krishna.

Earlier this month, the Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha had called for reciting the Hanuman Chalisa within the Shahi Masjid Idgah to commemorate the anniversary of the Babri Mosque demolition. Seven or eight people were held while one of the group’s leaders was arrested.