HC issues notices to state, ASI on PIL claiming Jama Masjid built on temple site

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: The Karnataka High Court has issued notices to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the state government, and other respondents in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) alleging that the Jama Masjid in Srirangapatna was constructed by Tipu Sultan on the site of the Moodala Bagilu Anjaneya Swamy Temple.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice NV Anjaria and Justice KV Arvind on Tuesday remarked that altering a protected monument through writ jurisdiction would be challenging. However, they issued notices to the respondents, with the matter returnable on July 11.

The PIL was filed by Bajrang Sene, an organization seeking directions to the ASI to conduct an archaeological study, survey, and excavation of the disputed Moodala Bagilu Anjaneya Swamy Temple site.

They cited the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, while seeking a status report. According to the petitioner, the temple was partly demolished by Tipu Sultan, who then constructed the Jama Masjid during his rule from 1786 to 1789.

The petitioner argued that every Indian citizen has the right to practice their religion peacefully and asserted that the government has a constitutional duty to correct historical errors made by invaders. Additionally, the plea sought directions to remove the alleged illegal occupants of the madrasa inside the mosque and to secure the temple site as per heritage site laws.