HC restores plea over Mathura mosque row

One-liner: The Allahabad HC has restored a petition seeking the removal of Mathura's Shahi Idgah Mosque, claimed to be built on Krishna Janmabhoomi, the birthplace of Lord Krishna.

Main petition dismissed: The main petition was dismissed in default on Jan 19, 2021, as the petitioner appeared in person and not through a lawyer. 

Plea restored: In an order on Feb 17, a division bench restored the plea on grounds that the application to restore it was filed without any delay.

• Earlier in 2020, a Mathura court had dismissed a plea seeking the removal of the mosque 

Mosque built at Lord Krishna's place: A group of people had moved the Mathura court over the 17th century mosque they claim was built at the birthplace of Lord Krishna.

Land deal: The suit had demanded the annulment of a Mathura court ruling, ratifying a land deal reached between Shri Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sansthan and Shahi Idgah Management Committee.

• The suit was filed on behalf of child deity Bhagwan Shrikrishna Virajman, through the next friend Ranjana Agnihotri and seven others

What next friend means: Next friend is a legal term for a person who represents someone directly unable to maintain a suit.

Source: PTI