NEW DELHI: Alleging that the Centre was “deliberately” not filing its reply on a batch of petitions challenging the validity of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act to delay the hearing, the Committee of Management of Shahi Masjid Idgah of Mathura urged the Supreme Court to close government’s right to file reply so that hearing could proceed.
The committee said the Centre was issued notice in March 2021 but it had not put its stand on affidavit and has repeatedly sought time. “The Union of India is deliberately not filing its counter affidavit/reply vis-a-vis the challenge to the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, with the intention to delay the hearing of the present writ petition and connected writ petitions,,” the committee said.
“Since this court has fixed the date of hearing… as Feb 17, it would be in the interest of justice if the right of the Union of India to file its counter affidavit/reply/ pleadings/ submissions is closed,” it added.
The Shahi Masjid Idgah is the matter of 17 suits being tried by Allahabad HC where Hindu parties have staked claim over the entire parcel of land where the mosque is situated, claiming it to have been built over Krishna Janmasthan.