'Kar Seva' Concern: Security Tightened at Mathura's Shahi Idgah, Allahabad High Court Told

Security has been stepped up at the disputed Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah premises in Mathura amid concerns over a possible “Kar Seva”, the Allahabad High Court has been informed through a classified report submitted by the district administration.

The bench of Justice Avnish Saxena noted that the report submitted by the Mathura District Magistrate and SSP showed that arrangements had been made “pertaining to the alleged Kar Seva and for keeping security at the premises”. Court, however, did not disclose the contents of the report, observing that it was classified and directing that it remain in a sealed cover.

What is the case?

The order was passed in Original Suit No. 4 of 2023, filed by the Shrikrishna Janmbhoomi Mukti Nirmaan Trust and five others against the Shahi Masjid Eidgah Management Committee and three others.

The suit is among a number of connected proceedings concerning the disputed religious premises in Mathura. On August 25, court dealt with pending applications and procedural issues in the suit.

One of the immediate issues was an application filed by Defendant No. 1 seeking permission to cure defects in its written statement and place an amended or additional written statement on record. The plaintiffs sought more time to file their objections.

The high court allowed the request for further time.

Multiple applications

A number of applications are awaiting orders. These include pleas seeking amendment and impleadment of parties, and applications seeking that proceedings in several connected suits be kept in abeyance while Suit No. 17 of 2023 is proceeded with.

There is also an application seeking “detention preservation and inspection” of the Shahi Idgah under Order 39 Rule 7 read with Section 151 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

Another application seeks deferment of proceedings on the plaintiffs’ survey plea until the Supreme Court decides SLP No. 481/2024.

Court has also listed applications relating to worship, including pleas concerning Basoda Puja and worship over Krishna Koop.

Other applications relate to completion of pleadings, admission and denial of documents before framing of issues, and the recall of the January 11, 2024 order by which the high court had ordered the consolidation of 15 lawsuits concerning the dispute to save court time and prevent conflicting orders..

When will the court take up the matter next?

The high court has listed the present matter for September 18 at 2 pm.

Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute

The dispute centres on the 13.37-acre complex in Mathura that includes the Katra Keshav Dev temple and the Shahi Idgah mosque. Hindu plaintiffs in the 18 suits before the Allahabad High Court seek, among other reliefs, removal of the mosque, possession of the premises and restoration of the temple, while also challenging the legal validity of a 1968 compromise under which the two places of worship were allowed to coexist.

The present round of litigation began with fresh suits filed by Hindu worshippers and others, and in May 2023 the high court transferred the pending Mathura suits to itself. In August 2024, court rejected the Shahi Idgah management committee’s challenge to the maintainability of all 18 suits, holding that they could proceed on merits. The dispute remains before the Supreme Court as well; on August 12 this year, the apex court indicated that the matter concerning representation of Krishna devotees may be remanded to the High Court over a notice-related procedural issue.

Case Title: Shrikrishna Janmbhoomi Mukti Nirmaan Trust & 5 Others v. Shahi Masjid Eidgah Management Committee & 3 Others

Order Date: August 25, 2026

Bench: Justice Avnish Saxena