Historic Mosque Dispute: Madrasa Activities at Jama Masjid Under Scrutiny

The Karnataka High Court hears a dispute over madrasa activities at Jama Masjid in Srirangapatna, with the Central government seeking their removal and the Waqf Board defending their legality. Concerns over the site’s status as a protected monument fuel the controversy, as legal arguments continue.

The Central government has urged the Karnataka High Court to order the removal of a madrasa functioning within the historic Jama Masjid in Srirangapatna. The move, challenged by the Waqf Board, is part of a legal dispute regarding property ownership and the mosque's protected status.

The case emerged after a public interest litigation, presented by Abhishek Gowda from Kanakapura, which labeled the madrasa's operations as unauthorized. Additional Solicitor General K Arvind Kamath highlighted the Jama Masjid's designation as a protected monument since 1951, arguing for action against the madrasa.

The Waqf Board's legal team, alongside state government lawyers, countered these claims, arguing the madrasa's operation is lawful given the property ownership recognized since 1963. The court has adjourned the case for further discussions, setting the next hearing for November 20.

(With inputs from agencies.)