By Clarion India
Team Clarion
JAUNPUR — Despite multiple notices, the Muslim side did not file an objection to the survey order of Atala Masjid in the Jaunpur city Munsif Court on Monday. The dispute centres around the Hindu side’s claim that a temple dedicated to Atala Devi once stood on the mosque’s site.
During the hearing, the court took a strict stance on the failure to comply with its orders. After listening to the arguments from both sides, it reserved its order on the matter.
The Muslim side’s advocate argued that the case falls under the Places of Worship Act, 1991 and is already pending before the Supreme Court. “No hearing should take place in this case until the Supreme Court decides on the matter,” the advocate stated. However, the Hindu side continued to push for a survey of the mosque, challenging the Muslim side’s position.
Atala Masjid, situated in Sipahi Mohalla of Jaunpur, has been a place of Muslim worship since 1476, according to the Muslim side. They strongly refute the Hindu side’s claims, asserting, “Namaz has been offered here for centuries, and the mosque was not constructed by demolishing a temple.” In contrast, the Hindu petitioners maintain that a temple built by King Vijay Chandra in the 13th century existed on the site.
Muslim leaders and community members have criticised the demand for a survey, calling it an attempt to target and harass the Muslim community. “This is a completely baseless claim aimed at creating unnecessary communal tension,” said Mohammad Arif, a local Muslim leader. “Muslims have been praying here for centuries, and now some groups are trying to disturb the peace by making false claims.”
Another community member, Shafiq Ahmed, expressed concern over what he described as increasing pressure on Muslim places of worship. “This is not about history or justice; this is about harassing Muslims and questioning their rights. We strongly oppose this unjustified demand,” he said.
This story was originally published in clarionindia.net. Read the full story here.
