Congress Steps in to Protect Places of Worship Act
The Indian National Congress (INC) has filed a petition in the Supreme Court, strongly opposing challenges to the constitutional validity of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. The party emphasized that the Act is crucial for preserving India’s secularism and accused opponents of attempting to disrupt communal harmony.
The application, submitted by Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal, argued that the Act reflects the will of the people. Enacted during a Congress-led government, it aimed to uphold peace by maintaining the status quo of religious sites as of August 15, 1947.
BJP’s Challenge to the Act
The challenge originates from a public interest litigation (PIL) by BJP leader Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay. His petition argues that the Act discriminates against Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities by freezing the status of religious sites, except for the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya.
Congress has dismissed these claims, asserting that the Act applies uniformly to all religious communities. It stressed that the law is essential to prevent historical disputes from escalating into modern-day conflicts.
Supreme Court’s Stance
In its landmark 2019 Ayodhya verdict, the Supreme Court recognized the Places of Worship Act as a critical safeguard for secularism. The Court is set to hear consolidated petitions against the Act on February 17, 2025, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna.
Communal Harmony at Stake
The Congress warns that altering the Act could jeopardize India’s secular fabric and endanger national unity. The party highlighted ongoing communal tensions fueled by litigation, including cases seeking surveys of mosques like the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi and Shahi Idgah Masjid in Mathura.
Muslim organizations, including Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, have supported the Act. They argue that its enforcement is crucial for preventing unrest and preserving constitutional principles.
Congress Reaffirms Commitment
Congress reiterated its commitment to communal harmony, stating, “The present challenge is not only legally baseless but also driven by questionable motives.” It has urged the Supreme Court to uphold the Act and protect India’s secular ethos.
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