Places of Worship Act does not bar acquisition of religious sites for public purpose: Allahabad HC

The Allahabad High Court on Thursday held that while the Places of Worship Act prohibits the conversion of the religious character of a place of worship from one faith to another, it does not prevent the state from acquiring such properties for a genuine public purpose, Live Law reported.

A bench of Justices JJ Munir and Arun Kumar made the statement while dismissing a petition filed by six shopkeepers and tenants from Varanasi’s Dalmandi area, who sought to stop a road widening and beautification project linked to the Uttar Pradesh government’s Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor.

The petitioners sought protection against their eviction and asked the court to restrain the state from acquiring six mosques in the area, arguing that they had existed before August 15, 1947, and were therefore protected under the Places of Worship Act.

The six mosques are Anjuman Intezamia Masjid, Masjid Rangile Shah, Masjid Ali Raza Khan, Masjid Karimullah Baig, Masjid Nisaran and Masjid Sangamarmar.

The petitioners also contended that the project would deprive thousands of persons of their livelihoods, homes and places of worship.

They further alleged that the acquisition was arbitrary and was designed to “target a particular community”, Live Law reported.

Rejecting the plea, the court held that the 1991 Act was enacted to preserve the religious character of...

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