Ritika
The Supreme Court refused to interfere with the order to remove the mosque from the Allahabad High Court premises. The apex court, while upholding the High Court’s decision, has given three months time to remove the mosque. The petitioners opposing the removal of the mosque are not allowed to claim it as a matter of right as the land is a leasehold property which was terminated.
A bench of Justice MR Shah and Justice CT Ravikumar said, “We do not see any reason to interfere with the order of the High Court.” However, it would be open to the petitioners to make a detailed representation to the State Government seeking alternative land, which may be considered in accordance with law. The apex court also allowed the petitioner Waqf Masjid High Court to make a representation to the state government for an alternative land.
The court was hearing a petition filed by the Waqf Masjid High Court and the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board challenging the Allahabad High Court order. The petitioners argued that the mosque had been there for over 400 years but the court rejected their plea and ordered the removal of the mosque within three months.
The legal battle for the mosque has been going on for over twenty years now. This mosque has been a place of worship for many Muslims over the decades. But unfortunately, this long standing dispute has come to an end in favour of the other party.
The people who have been supporting the mosque, have expressed disappointment and have expressed their hope that they will get some kind of assistance from the Government in getting an alternate site.
This is yet another example of how the fundamental rights of certain religions are not being respected, which has been made all the more prominent in the light of the current situation. This is also a reminder of how everyone needs to respect each other’s beliefs and values if we want to live together in peace.
The Supreme Court order is likely to trigger more discussions on the merits and demerits of the order. Many will argue that the order violates the fundamental rights of certain religions while others will argue that the court has just followed the rule of law.
Regardless of what anyone argues, the order has made its way, and the mosque needs to be removed by the given deadline. After that, the Government will have to decide if some other kind of relief can be given to the community in terms of compensation or alternate site.
As far as the court’s decision is concerned, it serves as a reminder that every citizen needs to abide by the laws of the land. It is essential to remember that no one is above the law and that all religions need to be respected.
The order of the Supreme Court is likely to be followed by more discussions, debates and a probable court of law. But in the meantime, the mosque needs to be removed from the premises of the Allahabad High Court in the next three months.
