Qutub Minar plea: Delhi's Saket Court reserves order for June

New Delhi, May 24: Delhi's Saket court on Tuesday (May 24) reserved the order on an appeal regarding the restoration of 27 Hindu and Jain temples in the Qutub Minar Complex in Mehrauli. The appeal suit alleges that the Quwwat - Ul - Islam Masjid situated within the Qutub Minar Complex in Mehrauli was built in palce of temple complex.

 

 

 

 

Additional District Judge Nikhil Chopra on Tuesday (May 24) after hearing the lengthy submissions of the appellant and other parties reserved the judgement in the matter and fixed June 9, 2022 for the order. The court also said that the parties would be at liberty to file brief synopsis if any within a week, with an advance copy to the opposite party.

 

 

 

 

Adv Vishnu Jain, appearing for the petitioner apprised the court that Quwwat - Ul - Islam Masjid situated within the Qutub Minar complex in Mehrauli was built in place of a temple complex. Advocate Jain read Section 16 of the AMASR Act of 1958 that says, "A protected monument maintained by the Central govt under this act which is a place of worship or shrine shall not be used for any purpose inconsistent with its character."

 

He further submitted, "Once a deity always a deity and it has its dignity forever. It is the determination of character." However, the ASI opposed stating, "There is no provision under AMASRA act of 1958 under which worship can be started at any living monument The High Court of Delhi clearly mentioned in its order dated Jan 27 1999."