Suit seeking ‘restoration’ of temples in Qutub Minar complex to be heard by Delhi court on April 27

A Delhi Court will on April 27 take up hearing of a civil suit filed on behalf of Jain deity Tirthankar Lord Rishabh Dev and Hindu deity Lord Vishnu alleging that the Quwwat-Ul-Islam Masjid situated within the Qutub Minar complex in Mehrauli was built in place of a temple complex and thereby seeking restoration of the temple complex comprising of 27 temples.

The civil suit alleges that around 27 Hindu and Jain temples were desecrated and damaged in 1198 under the rule of Mughal emperor Qutub-Din-Aibak to construct the said mosque in place of those temples.

During the course of previous hearing dated December 24, 2020, the plaintiffs were questioned by the Court on their locus standi as well as several other legal technicalities, as per a report carried by Live Law.

The hearing on Saturday had to be adjourned as the judge hearing the case was on leave.

While referring to the Ayodhya judgment of 2019 which held that a worshipper has a right to institute a suit to recover the property of a idol, the plaintiffs have stated that "the worshippers’ right to worship are being infringed and the atrocities committed before the enforcement of the Constitution can be remedied in furtherance of exercise of right to religion guaranteed by Article 25 of the Constitution of India."

The plaintiffs have alleged that Qutubdin Aibak ordered the demolition of the temples with a view to "show might of Islam".

It is also contended by the plaintiffs that the said mosque was never used for any religious purpose by Muslims because a number of images of deities are found on the pillars, roofs and walls of the building.

While seeking a mandatory injunction for handing over the management and administration of the alleged temple complex, the plaintiffs also seek directions to the Central Government to create a trust under the Trust Act 1882 for framing scheme of administration to such trust.

The plaintiffs also seek a permanent injunction restraining the defendants permanently from interfering in making necessary repair works, raising construction and making arrangement for pooja, darshan and worship of deities in accordance with section 16 and 19 of 'The Ancient monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958' by a Trust.