The Allahabad High Court have made a significant development in Krishna Janmabhoomi–Shahi Idgah title dispute by dismissing a plea seeking to include Goddess Radha (Shriji Radha Rani Vrishbhanu Kumari Vrindavani) as a party to the litigation. The court ruled that religious texts cannot be used as legal evidence.
The Plea for Impleadment
The plea sought to make Radha Rani a joint plaintiff in Original Suit No. 7 of 2023, which was initiated by Shri Bhagwan Shrikrishna Lala Virajman and others against the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board and the Shahi Idgah Masjid Committee.
The plaintiffs claim that the 13.37 acres of land in Mathura, which is believed to be Lord Krishna’s birthplace, have been constructed upon by the Shahi Idgah Masjid, The facts brought out that the construction was made during the Mughal era after demolishing a temple at the site. The application argued that Radha Rani, as believed to be co deity of Lord Krishna’s , holds jointownership of the disputed land as mentioned in scriptures like the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Narada Pancharatra Samhita, and Skanda Purana to substantiate this claim.
Court’s Rationale
The court remarked that such religious cases which are spiritually significant and do not constitute a legal evidence of property rights so Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra, presiding over the case, dismissed the application.
The court further noted the lack of concrete evidence supporting her legal claim to the property. It concluded that including Radha Rani as a party would violate the fundamental nature of the suit and would complicate the proceedings.
Reactions and Implications
While Plaintiff No. 1, represented by Advocate Kaushal Kishor Thakur, did not oppose Radha Rani’s inclusion in the property , while other plaintiffs opposed her addition as they opine her inclusion would deviate from the primary focus of the suit, which focus solely on Krishna Janmabhoomi. They also highlighted that Radha Rani is already a party in a separate ongoing case in the civil court, contended her inclusion in this suit .
The court clearly emphasised that application without a legal or clear interest can’t be entertained . However, the court have left a door open stating that if in future any joint ownership emerges with the evidence then the matter may be considered again.
Broader Context
This ruling adds something to the Krishna Janmabhoomi–Shahi Idgah dispute, which has been considered a significant point of religious and legal contention in India. The case involves multiple suits and has seen various legal alleges . In May 2023, the Allahabad High Court took all related suits from the Mathura court to itself.
The next hearing for the main suit is scheduled for July 4, 2025. As the case progress it’s gaining national attention as it includes religious faith and legal contentions.
About Author
Chetna is a second-year BBA LL.B. student at Maharishi Markandeshwar University. With a keen interest in constitutional law, human rights, and judicial reforms, she actively engages in legal research and writing. Passionate about exploring the role of law in shaping a just society, Chetna contributes thought-provoking articles aimed at promoting legal awareness among students and the general public. She aspires to pursue a career in litigation and advocacy, with a focus on upholding justice and democratic values.