Bharuch's 14th century Jama Masjid dispute reaches HC: Jains file petition in court seeking permission to protect and worship idol of Lord Mallinath

The dispute over the historic Jama Masjid in 14th century Bharuch has now reached the Gujarat High Court. Five local petitioners, including Harishankar Jain and Rahul Dewan, have filed a petition in the high court seeking immediate security of the idol of Lord Mallinath, the 19th Tirthankara of Jainism found in the mosque premises and to allow members of the Jain community to worship there. The petitioners have expressed apprehension that the holy idol may be damaged and destroyed due to the ongoing tension. Petitioners' concerns over the security of ASI protected monument The counsel for the petitioners submitted before the court that the Jama Masjid has been a protected monument of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) since 1909 and has national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites Act, 1958. As per the law, the original form of the monument cannot be changed. Amid the current controversy, the idol of Lord Mallinath is extremely sacred to the Jain community and has been requested to issue urgent directions for its protection. The state government took the stand, heard today In this case, the state government and the Bharuch Collector submitted to the High Court that there is truth in the arguments of the petitioners. The High Court has adjourned further hearing today (October 9) after considering the submissions of all the parties. The petitioners have made the Central Government, ASI, State Government and Jama Masjid Management Committee parties in the case. A dispute and a rally were held after the idol was found in the basement The controversy erupted earlier this year when an idol of Lord Mallinath was found in the basement of the Jama Masjid. The idol was found in the mosque built during the reign of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq and a rally was held by the local Hindu and Jain community. In view of the situation, the ASI had requested the Bharuch Collector in advance to ensure intensive security of the monument to avoid any untoward incident. Also Read... Bharuch's Jama Masjid dispute reaches Pakistan, says former High Commissioner Abdul Basit In a podcast interview, Abdul Basit also referred to the disputes over religious places including Gyanvapi and Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh, along with the disputes over religious places including Gyanvapi and Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh. "Now look at this in Gujarat as well," he said. Bharuch is a district where around 63,000 out of a population of about 1,70,000 are Muslims. A mosque was built there 600-700 years ago during the Khilji dynasty. Now it has come to light that some videos have gone viral about that mosque that some traces of Hindu and Jain religions have been found here. In the past, this mosque has been claimed that it will be converted into a temple. Read the full news also read... Thousands of devotees throng Jama Masjid on Chakradhar Swami's Avatar Diwas