A mediation attempt in the long-running Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi–Shahi Idgah dispute failed on Saturday after representatives of the Shahi Idgah mosque committee did not attend the proceedings before a special Lok Adalat in Mathura.
The mediation was initiated after seven petitioners sought an amicable settlement in the dispute. The matter, however, continues to remain before the Supreme Court, where several petitions are pending.
The proceedings were conducted by Additional District and Sessions Judge Surendra Prasad in the presence of officials from the District Legal Services Authority. Lawyers and representatives from the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi side attended the hearing and placed their submissions before the court.
As no representative or counsel appeared on behalf of the Shahi Idgah mosque committee, the mediation could not proceed and was closed without any settlement.
Advocate Mahendra Pratap Singh, appearing for the Hindu side, said the mediation was an opportunity for both parties to explore a negotiated solution.
“The Hindu side was present and participated in the proceedings, but no one from the Shahi Idgah mosque committee appeared. A settlement is only possible when both sides take part in the discussions,” he said.
Singh also said that some Hindu petitioners had proposed providing land for a mosque outside the Braj region if both sides agreed to resolve the dispute.
“A suggestion has been made that land could be arranged for a mosque outside Braj as part of a settlement. But since the other side did not participate, no discussion could take place on the proposal,” he added.
The Shahi Idgah mosque, located next to the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple complex in Mathura, has been the subject of multiple suits filed by Hindu petitioners, who claim the mosque was built at the birthplace of Lord Krishna and have sought various forms of relief, including access to and ownership of the disputed site.
Nearly 18 cases related to the dispute are pending before different courts.
The Supreme Court is expected to hear the batch of petitions from August 21 to 23, when it will continue proceedings in one of the country’s most closely watched religious property disputes.
