The Hindu Side Claims It’s Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
– Akhilesh Tripathi
Lucknow: Even as the situation around the court-ordered survey of Shahi Jama Masjid Sambhal, which claimed five innocent lives, remains unresolved, the matter of Jama Masjid Budaun has gained traction and is now in court. The Hindu side is claiming that the mosque was originally the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.
This case is currently being heard in Budaun’s fast-track court. Arguments from the mosque’s management committee have already concluded in the court of Civil Judge (Senior Division) Amit Kumar.
According to the available information, the case of Jama Masjid Budaun first came to light in 2022. Mukesh Patel, state coordinator of All India Hindu Mahasabha, claimed that Jama Masjid Budaun was originally Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. Subsequently, Patel filed a petition in court, seeking permission to perform worship at the mosque.
Following this, the court issued notices to the concerned parties, initiating legal proceedings. Several hearings took place, during which the government presented its stance. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) also submitted its report to the court. Arguments were later presented by representatives of the Jama Masjid as well.
After hearing both sides, the court scheduled the next hearing for December 3.
Asrar Ahmed, the lawyer representing Budaun’s Jama Masjid, stated, “The Jama Masjid is approximately 850 years old. There is no evidence of a temple ever existing here. The petition filed by the Hindu Mahasabha holds no merit. There is no basis for granting permission for worship or rituals at this site.”
Historical facts about Budaun’s Jama Masjid indicate that its foundation was laid by Iltutmish in 1210 when he served as the governor of Budaun. Later, in 1223, when Iltutmish became the Sultan of Delhi, the mosque’s construction was completed under the supervision of his son, Ruknuddin, who was then the governor of Budaun. However, the Jama Masjid was completed in 1225.
Currently, the mosque is surrounded by a densely populated area. Located in the Maulvi Tola of Sotha locality in Budaun city, the Jama Masjid is also known as Jama Masjid Shamsi.
Historian Giriraj Nandan mentions Jama Masjid Budaun in his book Budaun Darshan. In the book, he writes: “The Jama Masjid of Budaun is one of the prominent mosques in the country. This mosque is an excellent example of the architecture of its time.”
Five daily prayers are offered at the Jama Masjid under the supervision of District Qazi.
Behind the Jama Masjid is another mosque, Masjid Moazzia, whose foundation was laid by Qutbuddin Aibak after the establishment of Muslim rule in Budaun. During Aibak’s reign, the Sayyidon Wali Mosque was also constructed.
According to the Places of Worship Act, 1991, any place of worship in the country that existed on August 15, 1947, cannot be converted into a place of worship of another religion. Any attempt to do so can result in up to three years of imprisonment and a fine. The law also stipulates that even if evidence of occupation by another religion is found, no action can be taken.
Despite this, lower courts are violating this law by accepting new petitions, leading to unnecessary disputes over mosques and temples in the country. Such actions are fuelling communalism, which is detrimental to the nation, states, society, communities, and castes. This trend needs to be curbed, and judges in lower courts must ensure compliance with the law.
The Supreme Court should also direct lower courts not to entertain petitions that could create disputes under the provisions of Places of Worship Act, 1991. This would prevent conflicts over mosques and temples, promote harmony and unity in the nation, and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood.
