On Wednesday, the Allahabad High Court took a significant step by appointing amicus curiae to provide assistance in addressing various applications from involved parties related to their individual claims concerning the dispute over Mathura's Krishna Janmabhoomi and the Shahi Idgah mosque.

Justice Mayank Kumar Jain's bench designated Senior Advocate Manish Goel as the amicus curiae and instructed the court office to promptly communicate this decision to him, along with providing the necessary records for reference.

The court is currently handling a total of 18 suits related to the dispute. Of these, 15 suits have already been consolidated to be heard collectively.

During the last hearing on January 11, the court granted an adjournment for the discussion on the specifics and composition of the commission tasked with inspecting Mathura's Shahi Idgah mosque.

Justice Jain made this decision in response to an application filed by the counsel for the U.P. Sunni Central Waqf Board, Lucknow. The application explained that due to the recent demise of the counsel's father, he was unable to attend the court proceedings. As a result, an adjournment was granted to accommodate the circumstances.

Further, the court concluded that as the relief sought in numerous pending suits related to the Janmbhoomi and mosque disputes mirrored the facts presented in Original Suit No. 1 of 2023, consolidation of these suits was deemed appropriate. This decision was made recognizing the similarities in the claims and factual contentions across the various cases.

Hence, in an effort to streamline proceedings, minimize costs for the parties involved, and prevent conflicting judgments, the court opted to consolidate 15 suits with one another. This decision aimed at promoting efficiency and coherence in addressing the disputes at hand.

The court issued an order stating that Original Suit No. 1 of 2023, titled "Bhagwan Shri Krishan Virajman at Katra Keshav Dev Khewat No. 255 and others Vs. U.P. Sunni Central Waqf Board through Chairman and others," would serve as the leading case in the matter.

The matter will be next heard on January 30, 2024.

Case Title: Bhagwan Shrikrishna Virajman At Katra Keshav Dev Khewat No. 255 And 7 Others v. U.P. Sunni Central Waqf Board And 3 Others