The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has welcomed the Supreme Court’s interim order regarding the Places of Worship Act, 1991. The order restricts the registration of new cases, the delivery of effective or final judgments, and the issuance of survey orders in ongoing cases concerning mosques and shrines, reports The Times of India.
In a statement, AIMPLB spokesperson Dr. S.Q.R. Ilyas commended the decision, stating that lower courts had been undermining the Act by entertaining petitions and passing orders related to mosques and dargahs.
He remarked, “The Supreme Court’s order has now prohibited any effective or final decisions as well as survey orders until the next hearing. It has also barred the registration of new petitions until further notice.”
Dr. Ilyas emphasised that civil courts cannot parallel the apex court in passing judgments, highlighting the necessity of the stay imposed by the Supreme Court. He further noted that a five-judge bench had already issued directives on the matter.
The Places of Worship Act, 1991, which aims to maintain the status quo of religious structures as of August 15, 1947, faced a legal challenge in 2020. The Supreme Court has sought a response from the central government, which is yet to be submitted. The court has reiterated its direction to the government to file its reply, which will be made publicly available.
AIMPLB, along with other intervening parties in the case, hopes this interim order will deter malicious attempts targeting mosques and shrines across the country. The Board urged the apex court to adopt a definitive stance on the Places of Worship Act to uphold the rule of law and curb unrest and instability.
This development comes amidst heightened debates over the act, with various petitions challenging its provisions. The AIMPLB continues to advocate for the protection of religious structures and adherence to the law.
