The Allahabad High Court has been informed that the Mathura district administration has strengthened security arrangements around the disputed Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah premises following apprehensions regarding a possible ‘Kar Seva’ at the site.
A Bench of Justice Avnish Saxena considered a report submitted by the District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police, Mathura, detailing the measures undertaken by the administration in connection with the alleged proposed activity and the maintenance of security at the sensitive premises.
The report was placed before the Court pursuant to its earlier direction. After examining the document, the Court recorded that the administration had made arrangements concerning the alleged ‘Kar Seva’ as well as security at the disputed premises.
However, since the report was classified in nature, the Court refrained from disclosing its contents in the public domain and directed that it continue to remain in a sealed cover.
The proceedings arise from Original Suit No. 4 of 2023, instituted by the Shrikrishna Janmbhoomi Mukti Nirmaan Trust and others against the Shahi Masjid Eidgah Management Committee and other respondents. The suit forms part of a larger cluster of litigation concerning the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute in Mathura.
The issue of heightened security came before the High Court after an application was moved seeking preventive directions to the State authorities and district administration against any person or group entering the disputed premises for the purpose of holding a meeting, undertaking ‘Kar Seva’ or organising any other activity that could potentially disturb public peace.
The applicant had relied upon publicity allegedly circulated through social media and other platforms regarding programmes proposed at the disputed site. The plea raised concerns over the possible ramifications of such activities for public order, communal harmony and the ongoing judicial proceedings.
The High Court had consequently called upon the District Magistrate and SSP, Mathura, to place a report before it regarding the prevailing security situation and the steps taken by the administration. The subsequent submission, examined by Justice Saxena, indicated that precautionary arrangements had been put in place.
The Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah controversy is currently the subject of multiple civil proceedings before the Allahabad High Court. The litigation involves competing claims concerning the religious character, possession and use of the disputed premises, with several suits seeking reliefs relating to the Shahi Idgah structure and the adjoining Katra Keshav Dev temple complex. The High Court had transferred and consolidated 18 connected suits in 2023 for adjudication.
The latest proceedings, however, remain confined to the question of security arrangements and the alleged possibility of ‘Kar Seva’. The Court has not made any determination on the substantive claims forming part of the underlying title dispute.
By directing the administration’s report to remain under seal, the High Court has also ensured that sensitive details concerning the security deployment at the disputed religious site are not publicly disclosed.
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