SC’s mediation rejected in Kashi, Mathura, Sambhal mosque dispute:Hindu Muslim parties claim, ‘No solution through dialogue’

Stakeholders from Hindu and Muslim parties on Monday rejected the Supreme Court’s proposal to mediate the three major disputes regarding the three temple-mosques in UP. These three disputes are related to Varanasi’s Gyanvapi Mosque, Mathura’s Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah, and Sambhal’s Shahi Jama Masjid. Reportedly, the Supreme Court had sent a letter proposing mediation under the ‘Samadhan Samaroh 2026’ initiative for the peaceful resolution of these cases and sought consent from both parties. However, neither party gave their consent for this. Although information on when the court sent this letter has not come to light. Both parties have stated that they want a decision by fighting the case in court itself. In fact, a special Lok Adalat will be organized under the ‘Samadhan Samaroh’ from August 21 to 23 in the Supreme Court premises. Its objective is to find a solution through dialogue instead of a long legal battle. What you must know about all the disputes- 1. Gyanvapi mosque dispute (Varanasi) What is the dispute?
The Gyanvapi Mosque, next to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, is disputed. The Hindu side claims Mughal emperor Aurangzeb partially demolished the ancient Vishweshwar (Kashi Vishwanath) Temple in the 17th century to build the mosque. Demands of the Hindu community: 1. Declare the Gyanvapi complex as the ancient Vishweshwar Temple.
2. Allow regular Hindu worship inside the mosque complex.
3. Recognise the religious remains found there as part of the temple. Demands of the Muslim community: 1. Retain Gyanvapi as a mosque.
2. Reject new claims under the Places of Worship Act, 1991.
3. Protect Muslims’ right to offer prayers at the mosque. Current status in the Supreme Court:
Cases, including the ASI survey, are being heard in different courts. The Supreme Court has suggested resolving the dispute through a Lok Adalat (people’s court). 2. Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute (Mathura) What is the dispute?
The dispute concerns the Shahi Idgah Mosque near the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura. The Hindu side claims the mosque was built after demolishing the temple at Lord Krishna’s birthplace. Demands of the Hindu community: 1. Remove the Shahi Idgah Mosque. 2. Transfer the entire land to the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Trust. 3. Rebuild the temple. Demands of the Muslim community: 1. Recognise the mosque as a lawful place of worship. 2. Uphold the 1968 agreement and the Places of Worship Act, 1991. 3. Dismiss the petitions. Current status in the Supreme Court:
Several cases are pending before the Allahabad High Court. The Supreme Court has also proposed resolving the dispute through a Lok Adalat. 3. Shahi Jama Masjid dispute (Sambhal) What is the dispute?
The Hindu side claims the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal was built after demolishing the ancient Harihar Temple. Demands of the Hindu community: 1. Conduct an archaeological survey of the mosque. 2. Restore the temple if remains are found. 3. Grant Hindus the right to worship. Demands of the Hindu community: 1. Recognise the mosque as a historic and lawful place of worship. 2. Stop the survey and fresh litigation. 3. Enforce the Places of Worship Act, 1991. Current status in the Supreme Court:
Following the survey dispute and violence, the matter reached higher courts. The Supreme Court has also included it in its proposal for settlement through a Lok Adalat. What happens next? The Supreme Court proposed holding a special Lok Adalat under the ‘Samadhan Samaroh’ initiative between 21 and 23 August to encourage an out-of-court settlement. However, both the Hindu and Muslim parties have declined the mediation proposal for now and want the disputes to be decided through the courts. As a result, legal proceedings in all three cases will continue in the respective courts.