Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Friday declined to entertain a petition that sought restrictions on constructing or naming any mosque or religious structure after Mughal ruler Babur or the Babri Masjid.
A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta indicated that it was not inclined to examine the matter. Following the court’s observation, counsel representing the petitioner chose to withdraw the plea.
During the brief hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer referred to public remarks reportedly made by suspended Humayun Kabir about constructing a replica of the Babri Masjid in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district. The submission argued that such developments could have wider implications and sought judicial intervention.
The petition had requested directions to the Centre and state governments to consider prohibiting the construction, establishment or naming of any religious structure using the name of Babur, Babri Masjid or related derivatives anywhere in the country.
However, the apex court did not find grounds to proceed with the matter at this stage. With the withdrawal of the plea, no formal notice was issued to the governments concerned.
The development brings a swift end to the legal attempt, leaving the broader questions raised in the petition outside the court’s immediate consideration.
