The Indian National Congress has filed an intervention application in the Supreme Court defending the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal battle over religious property rights in India. The application directly opposes a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by BJP leader and advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay challenging the Act's constitutional validity.
&nbsp;
In its detailed submission to the Supreme Court, Congress emphasized its historical role in enacting the legislation during its coalition government with the Janata Dal party. The party asserts that its parliamentary legacy gives it a unique standing to defend the law's validity and implementation.
&nbsp;
The application specifically addresses concerns about the Act's alleged discriminatory nature, refuting claims made in Upadhyay's petition. Congress argues that the legislation provides equal treatment to all religious communities, maintaining that it preserves the religious character of places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947 - India's independence day.
&nbsp;
Congress's intervention comes amid broader legal developments, including similar moves by other political and religious organizations. The Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind has sought to join the proceedings, while AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi has filed a separate petition seeking the Act's implementation.
&nbsp;
The Supreme Court has already taken preliminary steps to maintain status quo, issuing directions in December 2024 that restrict trial courts from conducting surveys or passing substantive orders regarding religious structures until the constitutional challenge is resolved.
&nbsp;
Legal experts note that Congress's intervention adds a significant political dimension to what was already a constitutionally complex case, potentially influencing the broader discourse on religious rights and secularism in India.
&nbsp;

Opposition Party Claims BJP Leader’s Challenge to 1991 Law Threatens India’s Secular Fabric

Congress Moves SC To Defend Places Of Worships Act’s validity

Opposition Party Claims BJP Leader’s Challenge to 1991 Law Threatens India’s Secular Fabric

January 16, 2025 | 17:30 IST