Devotee can file suit for deity’s rights: Court

AGRA: In its order admitting the revision petition seeking the removal of Mathura’s Shahi Idgah mosque, a Mathura court said that whether the 1968 compromise deal dividing the disputed land was valid or not could only be decided on the basis of evidence.
The court stated: “With regard to the entire property of Katra Keshav Dev, whether Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Seva Sangh had the power to enter into a compromise with Trust Masjid Eidgah is a matter of evidence that can be determined only on the basis of evidence adduced by both parties during the trial. ”It also stated that a worshipper, as the next friend of the deity, can file a suit for restoration and re-establishment of religious rights of the deity.
Advocate G P Nigam, representing the Waqf board, refused to comment but claimed that this Act will be applicable partially as the petitioners had demanded the land on which the mosque is situated.
Advocate Gopal Khandel- wal claimed that, in municipal records of MathuraVrindavan Nagar Nigam, lord Keshav Dev has been mentioned as owner of the entire land, measuring 13. 37 acre. Water tax and other taxes are being paid on behalf of the deity, he said.