Headline
The Supreme Court of India bars new suits in matters connected to places of worship.
Summary
The Supreme Court of India has barred the registration of new suits regarding places of worship and restricted lower courts from giving effective orders in pending cases. This interim order of the court came to light at the time of hearings challenging the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991.
Key Facts
- Case Name: Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay vs. Union of India & Ors., WP(C) No. 1246/2020
- Judges Name: CJI Sanjiv Khanna, Justice Sanjay Kumar, and Justice KV Viswanathan.
- Courts are now not allowed to register new suits or issue effective orders in cases which are pending, including survey orders, until further notice.
- Cases like Gyanvapi Mosque and Mathura Shahi Idgah are under the purview of the Act.
- The Union Government is requested to give its counter-affidavit in 4 weeks.
- 18 suits related to 10 places of worship are pending countrywide.
Legal Insights
The Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 prohibits changing the religious nature of worship places as of 15 th August, 1947. The interference of the Supreme Court of India balances public order and judicial propriety in a highly serious matter.
Impact
The order seeks to control legal disorder and potential unrest caused by several, uncoordinated suits.
Why It Matters
This judgment highlights the role of the judiciary in preserving secularism and public harmony between these arising disputes over religious sites.
Source
