On Monday the Indian National Congress has filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking to halt ongoing and proposed surveys at Islamic religious sites across the country. The petition, submitted by Congress leaders Alok Sharma and Priya Mishra, argues that such surveys violate the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which maintains the religious character of places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947.
This legal action comes amid a series of court-ordered surveys at prominent Islamic sites, including the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and the Shahi Eidgah Mosque in Mathura. These surveys have been contentious, with Hindu groups claiming that these mosques were built over demolished temples, while Muslim organizations assert that the surveys are attempts to alter the historical status quo.
The Congress party’s petition emphasizes the potential for communal unrest stemming from these surveys and urges the Supreme Court to intervene to uphold secular principles and prevent further societal discord. The petitioners have requested an expedited hearing, highlighting the urgency of the matter in light of recent tensions and legal disputes surrounding these religious sites.
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This development adds a new dimension to the ongoing debates over the preservation and interpretation of India’s religious heritage, placing the Supreme Court at the center of a critical issue affecting the nation’s communal harmony.
