Religious Litigants Reject Supreme Court Mediation for Three Site Disputes

Litigants in three major temple-mosque disputes in Uttar Pradesh have rejected a proposal from the Supreme Court of India to resolve the cases through mediation. The offer was part of the 'Supreme Court Action for Mediated Adjudication and Disputes Harmonization Across Nation (Samadhan Samaroh) 2026' initiative, intended to settle pending cases before a special Lok Adalat scheduled for August 21–23.

The disputes involve the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi, the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah mosque in Mathura, and the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal. In the Mathura case, mediation closed after the Muslim side failed to attend meetings, while the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Trust had proposed offering alternative land for a mosque if the other side relinquished its claim.

In the Gyanvapi case, the Hindu side maintains the mosque was built on a demolished ancient temple and seeks a legal ruling to vacate the premises for a grand Kashi Vishwanath temple. The Anjuman Intezamia Masajid, representing the Muslim side, argued the matter is too sensitive for conciliation and involves complex legal issues regarding ownership and the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. Similarly, counsel for the Sambhal mosque committee rejected mutual settlement due to the sensitivity of the dispute.

All parties have indicated they prefer authoritative judicial determination over negotiated settlements, opting to continue their legal battles in court to decide the issues on legal merits.