The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a fresh plea filed by AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi, seeking the enforcement of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. The bench, headed by Chief Justice of India, directed that Owaisi’s petition be tagged with other pending cases related to the matter. The court announced that all these cases will be taken up together on February 17, 2025.

The Places of Worship Act, enacted in 1991, prohibits the conversion of any place of worship and aims to preserve the religious character of such sites as it stood on August 15, 1947. However, the law excludes the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi site, which was under litigation at the time.

Owaisi, a prominent political leader and Member of Parliament from Hyderabad, has filed this plea in the backdrop of growing debates and controversies surrounding the Act’s scope and implementation. His petition seeks a directive for strict adherence to the Act, asserting that it is essential to uphold secular values and communal harmony in the country.

The Supreme Court bench emphasized the importance of addressing the issues raised by Owaisi and other petitioners comprehensively. “All petitions regarding the implementation of the Places of Worship Act will be heard together to ensure a uniform and holistic examination of the matter,” the court stated.

Owaisi’s plea is expected to focus on the need for consistent enforcement of the law and to address alleged violations that have been reported in recent years. Legal experts and civil society groups are closely watching the developments, as the case has significant implications for India’s secular framework and the balance of religious rights.

The hearing on February 17 will be pivotal in shaping the future discourse on the Places of Worship Act and its relevance in contemporary India.

Source: PTI