Jaunpur: The Jaunpur Munsif Court has reserved its order in the ongoing dispute over Atala Masjid, as the Hindu side continues to demand a survey of the site. Despite multiple notices, the Muslim side did not file an objection against the survey order on Monday, reported the Clarion India.
The Hindu petitioners claim that the mosque was built over a demolished temple dedicated to Atala Devi. However, the Muslim side firmly refutes this, citing historical records that show Atala Masjid has been a place of Muslim worship since 1476.
During the hearing, the Muslim side’s advocate argued that the case falls under the Places of Worship Act, 1991 and is already under consideration by the Supreme Court. They urged the court to halt proceedings until the Supreme Court delivers its verdict. Despite this, the Hindu side insisted on the need for a survey to verify their claims.
Prominent Muslim leaders and scholars have strongly opposed the demand, calling it an attempt to create communal tension. Mohammad Arif, a local leader, criticized the move as “baseless and politically motivated,” while Maulana Rashid Qasmi condemned it as a violation of religious freedom guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.
Members of the Waqf Board, including Syed Imran, have warned that such cases are being used for political polarization ahead of elections. They have urged authorities to uphold the Places of Worship Act and prevent further communal unrest.
The court had previously addressed the case on February 18, stating that hearings would continue based on a petition filed by the Waqf Board. The Swaraj Vahini Association (SVA), which represents the Hindu petitioners, has challenged this, claiming that the site originally belonged to a Hindu temple.
The court’s decision on the survey is now awaited, with tensions rising over the historical and legal aspects of the case.
