New Delhi: Maulana Arshad Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, expressed cautious optimism regarding the Supreme Court’s interim order restricting surveys of mosques and barring the filing of new pleas in lower courts. He emphasised that while a final verdict is anticipated, the interim decision is significant and impactful in addressing growing communal tensions in the country.
“The sensitivity of this issue warranted a conclusive judgment, but even this interim ruling is vital,” Maulana Madani stated.
Maulana Madani welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to prohibit further surveys and new cases, expressing hope that the final ruling will uphold the 1991 law. He reiterated that this legislation is crucial for preserving communal harmony and preventing the escalation of religious extremism.
Maulana Madani criticised the recent survey of Shahjahanpur Shahi Jama Masjid, conducted under the guise of historical investigation. He asserted that such actions, often based on unfounded claims of mosques and shrines being ancient temples, are being used to disrupt the nation’s longstanding peace and brotherhood. Highlighting the importance of the 1991 Places of Worship Act, he accused communal forces of conspiring to repeal the law and incite chaos. He pointed to the 2022 Supreme Court petition challenging this Act, against which Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind had actively opposed and intervened.
Reflecting on the Babri Masjid case, Maulana Madani expressed disappointment over the failure to achieve lasting communal harmony. Despite the painful acceptance of the Babri Masjid verdict, he lamented the resurgence of disputes that threaten to reignite tensions. He also condemned the conduct of lower courts and the administration, citing the tragic deaths of five young men in Sambhal as a result of inadequate judicial oversight. According to him, local authorities continue to mistreat the Muslim community in the region, denying them justice.
The Jamiat’s involvement in defending the Act has been consistent and proactive. Their Civil Writ Petition 782/2022 led to the Supreme Court issuing a notice to the central government on September 9, 2022.
