Allahabad High Court Allows Shahi Masjid Idgah’s Plea To Join Mathura Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah Dispute Case

The Allahabad High Court recently permitted an application by Shahi Masjid Idgah, Mathura, to be allowed as a party in a suit filed by Thakur Keshav Dev Ji, Maharaj Virajman Mandir Katra Keshavdev.

The case, part of the ongoing Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah dispute, seeks the removal of the Shahi Eidgah mosque, claiming it stands on the birthplace of Lord Krishna.

In their suit, the plaintiffs allege that the Katra Keshavdev Temple was demolished in 1670 by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who looted its valuable gold and diamond ornaments and placed the sacred Dev Vigrah on the stairs of the Jama Masjid in Agra.

The plaintiffs argue for the mosque's removal to restore the site’s sanctity.

Shahi Masjid Idgah requested impleadment in the case, asserting its status as a necessary party to ensure fair adjudication.

The mosque's counsel contended that the plaintiffs' claims lack factual basis and that no such idols or valuable objects are buried beneath the mosque or its premises. The mosque maintained that its exclusion from the case would jeopardize its rights and interests.

The plaintiffs opposed the mosque's plea, arguing that the Shahi Masjid Idgah should not be allowed as a party to the case because it is unrelated to the claims regarding Aurangzeb’s alleged actions.

They reiterated that the Dev Vigrah’s ornaments were purportedly buried at the stairs of the Begam Sahiba Masjid in Agra, not at the Mathura mosque.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra ruled in favor of the mosque’s application.

The Court recognized that although the Shahi Masjid Idgah may not be a necessary party, its presence in the case would facilitate effective and comprehensive adjudication of the dispute.

“The applicant, though not a necessary party, is a person whose presence will enable the court completely, effectively, and adequately to adjudicate upon all matters in dispute in the suits. Therefore, the applicant is a 'proper party' in the suit and is liable to be impleaded as a party,” observed Justice Mishra in the order.

The Court directed the plaintiffs to amend their plaint within a week to include Shahi Masjid Idgah as a defendant in the case.

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