AIMIM chairman Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday criticized the Mathura court for ordering an investigation into the Shahi Idgah mosque complex, saying an investigation in a civil case should be a last resort
UPDATE – Mon 26 Dec 22 05:14 PM
Hyderabad: AIMIM chairman Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday criticized the Mathura court for ordering an investigation into the Shahi Idgah mosque complex, saying an investigation in a civil case should be a last resort.
The Hyderabad MP said that, in his opinion, the court was wrong. “I disagree with that order. The legal experts know very well and they also told me that the court will only order an investigation if there is no documentation to prove ownership or anything, it’s a last resort,” he told the media person.
The leader of the All India Islamic Congress (AIMIM) said the courts were looking at the investigation as a first resort, while legal experts say it should be a last resort.
Owaisi said the civil court unexpectedly violated the Places of Worship Act 1991, which clearly states that, apart from the Babri Masjid, the nature of religious places established on August 15, 1947 cannot be changed.
He said the court completely disregarded the October 12, 1968 agreement between the Shahi Idgah Trust and Sri Krishna Janmasthan. “The trust completed this agreement with the express approval of the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Waqf board. It was signed by both parties,” he said.
He pointed out that according to the agreement, the land and temple of Idgah are clearly defined.
On December 24, a magistrate’s court in Mathura allowed the tax office to conduct a formal inspection of the Shahi Idgah mosque complex, a new plea challenging title to the 13.77 acres of land on which the Idgah was built.
The court directed tax officials to inspect the property and submit reports and maps by the next hearing date of Jan. 20.
The directive was made in a plea by the Hindu Senate to the Intezamia Council, which governs Idgah, in the name of the god Bal Krishna.
The MP recalled that after the Supreme Court’s verdict in the Babri Masjid case, he had said it would inspire the Hindu and opened a can of worms. “Unfortunately, I was vindicated,” he said, and hoped the Idgah Trust would appeal the erroneous order, which would be investigated by a higher court.
Responding to queries, he claimed that the VHP, RSS and BJP wanted to recreate the hateful environment in the country that prevailed in the 1980s and 90s.
“The BJP is ruling the country but the PM is not controlling the VHP. Either they ignore him or the PM sits silent,” he added.
