The Waqf Atala Mosque in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, has moved the Allahabad High Court against a local court’s May 2024 order permitting a suit that claims the mosque was originally a 13th-century temple called ‘Atala Devi Mandir.’ The suit, filed by the Swaraj Vahini Association led by Santosh Kumar Mishra, seeks to recognize the property as a Hindu temple and allow Sanatan followers exclusive rights to worship there. The association has also requested a ban on non-Hindus from entering the site. The mosque’s petition argues that these claims are baseless, emphasizing that the property has been a mosque since its construction began in 1398 by Feroz Shah Tughlaq, with Muslims continuously offering prayers there.

The mosque’s legal team has accused the plaintiffs of misrepresenting facts and creating a vague narrative, noting that terms like “Hindus of Purvanchal” lack a precise definition. The petition also highlights procedural lapses, including the omission of the Waqf Board as a party to the case, and criticizes the trial court for allowing the suit to proceed mechanically despite its sensitive nature. The mosque contends that these actions constitute an abuse of the legal process and are aimed at sowing communal discord. It has urged the High Court to dismiss the suit filed by the Swaraj Vahini Association and nullify the local court’s orders.

The controversy has drawn sharp criticism from leaders like AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, who has called it an attempt to stir unnecessary historical disputes. Owaisi also accused the ruling party of enabling such claims by not upholding the Places of Worship Act, which protects the status quo of religious sites. He emphasized the importance of focusing on unity and progress rather than divisive narratives, warning that such conflicts hinder national development and alienate significant sections of the population.