Malali Mosque case: Trial in K’taka HC concludes, order awaited

The trial in the case related to Malali Masjid near Gurupur has concluded in the Karnataka High Court. The case has gained further attention, in light of a Varanasi court allowing Hindus to worship at the Gnanavapi Masjid in Uttar Pradesh.

The Additional Civil Court in Mangaluru had heard a petition filed by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) asserting that the structure at the Assayed Abdullahi Madani mosque in Malali of Thenka Ulipady village resembled a temple. However, the mosque management approached the Karnataka High Court questioning the maintainability and the jurisdiction of the subordinate court to hear the case. The trial has now been completed and an order is awaited.

The mosque management board contends that the Mangaluru court’s injunction should be lifted, allowing mosque construction to continue. They urge the dismissal of the VHP’s petition, asserting that the subordinate court lacks jurisdiction under the Waqf Act.

If the High Court rules in favor of the VHP, the trial will proceed in the Civil Court. Chidananda Kedilaya, a lawyer for the VHP, mentioned that the petition seeking scientific examination of the structure in the mosque is currently in a status quo, awaiting further court orders.