Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has declined to hear a petition challenging the construction of a mosque in the name of Babur. The petitioner had argued that Babur, being a foreign ruler, should not have any religious structure named after him in India.
Bench Declines to Entertain the Plea
The petition was filed by Devkinandan Pandey, who claimed that naming a mosque after Babur could disturb communal harmony. During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel argued that Babur had referred to Hindus as slaves and therefore should not be honoured in any form. However, a bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta refused to entertain the petition.
Case Linked to Murshidabad Construction
The matter relates to the reported construction of a mosque named after Babur in Murshidabad, West Bengal. The petitioner, a resident of Ayodhya, alleged that such construction was an attempt to disrupt communal harmony.
Demand for Nationwide Ban on Naming Structures After Babur
In his plea, the petitioner had made the central government, all states, and union territories parties to the case. He sought directions from the Supreme Court to all states to prevent the construction of any mosque or religious building in the name of Babur. He also requested that no building be named after Babur or any other foreign invader.
The petition further asked the court to direct states to issue advisories or administrative orders prohibiting the naming of mosques after Babur or similar historical figures. The Supreme Court, however, refused to intervene in the matter.
