‘When you break the rule, we make one’ is the way the laws and regulations related to the system in our country works. In this regard, having an insight into ‘Places of worship Act 1991’ tops the list of significance.
Post Babri Masjid issue now the Gyanvyapi Masjid of Uttar Pradesh have taken its position on the books of Indian communal conflict. The petitioners have sought permission for daily prayers before the idols on outer walls of the Masjid claiming it to be Hindu land. It was to put an end to the eruption of any such incidents in the upcoming future, the ‘Places of worship Act of 1991’ was adopted. The main objective of the act is freezing the conversion of any religious land into other or post August 15th 1947, maintaining the status quo of religious as is. With this the act, indirectly aimed at strengthening the strings of fraternity and calling an end to the communal conflict in the name of religious property.
As a challenge to the existing law and a peace of society, Gyanvyapi Masjid of Uttar Pradesh has come under the scrutiny through the petitions. Unlike Babri Masjid case, here the petitioners are seeking to obtain the place in the Masjid for the worship of their God not the conversion of whole land. Logically understanding, the move seems as an act to surpass the ‘Places of Worship Act’ so to implant the communal distress and gain political victory. It was in Ayodhya case, the Supreme Court upheld the validity of the Places of Worship Act and mentioned that the act is intrinsically related to the secular state and stressed, “History and its wrongs shall not be highlighted as instruments to oppress the present and the future”.
If place where people go in search of peace turns out to be the reason for violence then what more major disaster is left to occur? In such a scenario it is wise on the part of Supreme Court to call off the issue. The country has already had enough food for communal forces. As a matter of justice, the ball is in the court of highest court of appeal to decide whether to calm the fire or ignite it. And so a justice is awaited which will further make no way for matters that harm the peace, unity and integrity of India.
