18 suits pending in Krishna Janmabhoomi - Shahi Idgah case: Allahabad High Court tells Supreme Court

There are 18 suits pending before the Allahabad High Court in relation to the Krishna Janmabhoomi - Shahi Idgah dispute before it, the High Court told the Supreme Court [Committee of Management Trust Shahi Masjid Idgah vs Bhagwan Shrikrishna Virajman].An affidavit detailing the same was submitted before the top court High Court's Registrar General. A bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sudhansdhu Dhulia today adjourned the matter to November 11 after stating it needs time to examine the affidavit.The High Court in its affidavit also tendered its apology to the top court for the delay in submitting the details regarding the suits.The High Court added that it has initiated a full-fledged departmental enquiry against the concerned registrar."The deponent has great respect and regard for this Hon'ble Court and has never attempted nor shall ever attempt in thought, word or deed to conduct himself in a matter which in any manner may be construed as even slightly undermining the dignity of this Hon'ble Court and the rule of law ...The deponent tenders unconditional apology for inconvenience caused to this court and ensures to remain more vigilant in future in every matter," the affidavit stated..The top court was hearing an appeal challenging a May verdict of the Allahabad High Court.The same had allowed a plea by the Hindu parties to transfer the civil suit concerning the Krishna Janmabhoomi - Shahi Idgah Masjid dispute from the trial court to itself.The main suit in question filed by Hindu parties, has sought the removal of the Mathura Shahi Idgah Masjid on the ground that it was built over Krishna Janmabhoomi land.While the matter was pending before the trial court, the Hindu side had moved the High Court seeking a transfer of the trial court proceedings to the High Court.The Hindu side contended that the issues involved concerned crores of Lord Krishna’s devotees and that it was a matter of national importance. It was also highlighted that the case involves substantial questions of law and issues concerning the interpretation of the Constitution of India.In February, Justice Nalin Kumar Srivastava of the Allahabad High Court agreed to hear the transfer plea, which was eventually allowed in May by Justice Arvind Kumar Mishra I.The Shahi Masjid Idgah Trust then filed the present appeal before the Supreme Court challenging the said order.It is trust's case High Court allowed the transfer plea by relying primarily on a contention that the trial court would take time to decide on the suit.The Supreme Court had in July this year opined that it would be in the interest of all stakeholders if the matter is heard by the Allahabad High Court since the case is such that it has the potential to create disquiet in the society.The bench had stated that High Courts are better placed and suited to hear cases involving disputed religious sites. The bench had indicated that it would provide some guidelines on how to proceed with the suit hearing, and had asked the High Court to provide it details of the number of applications in the matter.The present affidavit was filed pursuant to the same.