Budaun Dispute: Hindu Side Claims Neelkanth Mahadev Temple on Jama Masjid Site

Budaun Dispute:A new round of controversy has erupted in the city of Budaun in Uttar Pradesh, as the Hindu side has again claimed that the Jama Masjid was constructed over an ancient Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. This controversy, which is being tried by a fast-track court, has ignited much debate as the Hindu and Muslim sides presented claims against each other.

It's actually a controversy from 2022, when Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha petitioned the court that Jama Masjid was built on an existing demolished temple Neelkanth Mahadev. The Hindu side, according to Patel, state convener was granted permission for the prayers which would be regular on site claiming to be of high historical values as a temple. The Muslim side has, however, dismissed this, saying the mosque has existed for over a century and therefore there was no justification to file such a petition from the Hindus.

During the last hearing, legal counsel for the management committee of Jama Masjid, Anwar Alam, contended against the Hindu claims stating the mosque has a 850-year-old history. The Muslim side believes that the allegations concerning the temple are baseless, and there is no reason for conducting religious activities at the place.

The issue has been brought to the attention of various political personalities, including AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi, who has asked the government to respect the 1991 Act that protects religious places. Meanwhile, the Archaeological Survey of India has submitted its report to the court, but the final judgment is still pending.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for December 3, and all eyes are on how this sensitive issue, which involves religious and historical claims, will unfold in the coming weeks. The Hindu Mahasabha's petition, along with the government's stance, continues to fuel the ongoing debate in the region.