Landmark Ruling on Religious Disputes
The Indian Supreme Court has taken a decisive step by barring trial courts from registering any new cases against places of worship until further orders. This directive came during hearings on petitions challenging the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. This law mandates that the religious character of a place of worship as of August 15, 1947, must be maintained, prohibiting conversion from one religion to another.
Indian Supreme Court’s Directive and Government Response
A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Justice Sanjay Kumar, and Justice K.V. Viswanathan instructed trial courts to refrain from passing any “interim or final orders” in pending cases until further directives are issued. The Press Trust of India (PTI) quoted the bench, stating, “We are examining the scope, jurisdiction, and boundaries of the 1991 Act.” The court has directed the government to respond to the petitions within four weeks.
Surge in Legal Petitions and Background
The Supreme Court’s order follows a surge in legal petitions by Hindu groups claiming that prominent mosques were originally built on temple sites. Recently, a court in Rajasthan’s Ajmer approved a petition to declare the 13th-century Ajmer Sharif Dargah as a temple. In Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district, a court permitted a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, alleged to have been built over a temple, leading to violent clashes and injuries. Subsequently, the Supreme Court halted proceedings on the matter.
Babri Mosque Controversy and Religious Tensions
Earlier this year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the controversial Ram Temple in Ayodhya, built on the site of the demolished Babri Mosque. The mosque’s demolition in 1992 by Hindu nationalist groups triggered one of India’s deadliest religious riots, resulting in over 2,000 deaths, most of whom were Muslims. This event significantly impacted India’s secular political system.
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Rise in Religious Extremism
Since Modi’s rise to power in 2014, religious extremism has escalated, raising concerns for the safety and future of over 200 million Muslims in India.