Both Hindu and Muslim parties involved in three major temple-mosque disputes in Uttar Pradesh have declined the Supreme Court’s proposal to settle their differences through mediation. Instead, they have chosen to continue pursuing their claims through the judicial process.
The mediation proposal covered the disputes related to the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi, the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah mosque in Mathura, and the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal.
The proposal was made under the Supreme Court’s initiative, “Supreme Court Action for Mediated Adjudication and Disputes Harmonization Across Nation (Samadhan Samaroh) 2026.” The court had sought the consent of all parties to explore an out-of-court settlement, but the litigants on both sides declined the offer.
Gyanvapi Dispute
The Gyanvapi case revolves around competing claims over the religious character of the Gyanvapi complex in Varanasi.
The Hindu side has argued that Hindu prayers were offered in the mosque’s cellar by the family of Somnath Vyas until 1993, when the then Mulayam Singh Yadav-led government allegedly stopped the practice. They also claim that an ancient Lord Vishweshwar temple existed at the site and that part of it was demolished during Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s reign to construct the mosque.
The Muslim side has rejected these claims, maintaining that Muslims have continuously possessed and used the mosque. They also argue that the mosque predates Aurangzeb’s rule and has undergone changes over time.
Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah Case
The Mathura dispute concerns the Shahi Idgah Mosque, which the Hindu plaintiffs claim was built over the birthplace of Lord Krishna.
The Hindu parties have sought the removal of the mosque, arguing that historical evidence indicates the structure stands on temple land. Although a civil court initially dismissed the suit in 2020 under the Places of Worship Act, 1991, the Mathura District Court later revived the case after an appeal.
Sambhal Mosque Dispute
The Sambhal dispute began after advocate Hari Shankar Jain and others filed a petition claiming that the Shahi Jama Masjid had been constructed over a demolished Hindu temple during the Mughal period.
In November 2024, a civil court ordered a survey of the mosque. The order triggered violence during the second survey, with reports of stone-pelting, arson and clashes between protesters and police. Four people were killed during the unrest.
