Budaun: In the ongoing controversy surrounding the Shamsi Shahi Mosque in Budaun, the Masjid Committee has argued before a local court that the suit seeking permission to worship at the mosque, claiming it to be the Neel Kanth Mahadev temple, is barred by the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. The committee further asserted that the disputed site is legally recognised as waqf property, reports the Live Law.
The case was presented on Tuesday, where the Masjid Committee’s counsel highlighted the provisions of the 1991 Act, which maintains the religious character of places of worship as they were on August 15, 1947. The committee argued that the filing of the suit itself violated this law.
The court was also informed that the mosque is registered as waqf property, solidifying its status under religious endowments law. The hearing has been adjourned, with the next date set for December 10.
The dispute has drawn significant attention, with legal and historical arguments being presented on both sides. The Places of Worship Act has been a pivotal point in similar cases across the country, as it prohibits the conversion of any place of worship and upholds the status quo as of 1947.
Further proceedings in the case are expected to delve deeper into the historical and legal aspects of the site, with both parties prepared to present their claims.
