The Supreme Court of India has directed a halt on surveys and new lawsuits concerning places of worship until it delivers its verdict on the constitutional validity of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. The apex court’s directive comes while hearing petitions challenging the Act’s provisions.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justices PV Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan emphasized, “No fresh suits shall be registered, and no effective orders will be passed in pending cases by lower courts.” The court also instructed that matters related to religious site surveys remain untouched by lower courts.
The Places of Worship Act, 1991, preserves the religious character of places of worship as they stood on August 15, 1947, prohibiting conversion or legal challenges. Petitioners argue the Act infringes on the rights of Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs to reclaim and manage their places of worship under Articles 25, 26, and 29 of the Constitution.
Key disputes, such as those involving the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi, the Shahi Eidgah Masjid in Mathura, and others, await resolution pending the court’s ruling. The Bench also sought the Centre’s response within four weeks, underscoring the case’s importance in determining the Act’s vires and ambit.
The decision will have significant implications on ongoing legal challenges and interfaith property disputes nationwide.
