The Supreme Court of India has made a significant ruling regarding the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. On December 12, 2024, the court ordered that no new lawsuits concerning religious sites can be filed until it completes its hearings on the constitutionality of this law. This decision also includes a ban on any surveys related to places of worship during this period.
Key Points From The Ruling
No New Lawsuits: The Supreme Court has directed that lower courts should not entertain any fresh suits or issue specific orders for surveys until it concludes its examination of the ongoing petitions related to the Act.
Focus On Constitutional Validity: The court is reviewing several petitions that challenge the constitutional validity of specific provisions within the Places of Worship Act. This law aims to maintain the religious character of places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947, and prohibits any legal action aimed at altering their status.
Pending Responses: The central government has been given four weeks to respond to the various petitions challenging the Act. Following this, parties involved in the case will have an additional four weeks to submit their replies.
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Background On The Places Of Worship Act
The Places of Worship Act was enacted to prevent disputes over religious sites and to preserve their status as they were at India’s independence. It specifically bars courts from entertaining disputes regarding these sites, with the notable exception of the Ram Janmabhoomi case in Ayodhya, which has already been resolved by the Supreme Court in 2019.
Implications Of The Ruling
This ruling could significantly impact ongoing legal battles over several religious properties, including disputes involving mosques that some claim were built over ancient temples. Cases such as those concerning the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and the Shahi Eidgah Mosque in Mathura are among those that could be affected by this decision.
Diverse Perspectives
The petitions against the Act include arguments from various groups. Some Hindu organizations assert that the Act perpetuates historical injustices by preventing claims on sites they believe were originally temples. In contrast, Muslim organizations argue that these lawsuits violate the protections offered by the Places of Worship Act.
As this legal situation develops, it remains a focal point for discussions about religious rights and historical grievances in India. The Supreme Court’s decision not only halts new legal actions but also emphasizes its role in adjudicating sensitive issues surrounding religion and heritage in a diverse society.
