Bharuch Jama Masjid Dispute: Gujarat High Court Issues Notices Over Claims of Ancient Jain Temple
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The Gujarat High Court has issued notices to the Centre, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the state government and the managing committee of Bharuch’s historic Jama Masjid in a dispute over claims that the structure was built on an ancient Jain temple.
The petitioners are seeking the identification, restoration and protection of what they describe as the site’s original Jain religious character. They claim the site was once known as Ashvavabodh Tirtha or Shakunika Vihara, a Jain religious centre dedicated to Lord Munisuvrata Swami, the 20th Tirthankara.
Justice Devan Desai issued notices to the respondents after hearing submissions from the petitioners, the ASI and the state government.
Petitioners Cite Historical Records, Jain Symbols
The petition, filed by Harishankar Jain, Rahul Diwan and others, relies on historical documents, centuries-old Jain literature, British-era gazetteers and archaeological surveys to support the claim that the existing structure was built over an ancient Jain temple.
According to the petitioners, the mosque incorporates pillars, sculptures and other architectural elements from the earlier religious structure.
They have also submitted photographs and evidence highlighting features they say are associated with Jain temple architecture.
ASI Acknowledges Discovery of Jain Idols
During the hearing, the petitioners’ counsel argued that idols and archaeological remains within the mosque premises hold considerable religious significance for the Jain community.
The counsel sought protection for the idols and permission for members of the Jain community to offer worship at the site while the dispute remains pending.
The ASI reportedly acknowledged during the proceedings that idols of Jain Tirthankaras had been found within the existing structure.
The petitioners also drew the court’s attention to Jain religious symbols, carved pillars and other architectural features that they claim support their account of the site’s history.
State Government Supports Protection of Site
The state government submitted that idols of Lord Mallinatha, the 19th Jain Tirthankara, had been found within the premises and argued that the site merited protection.
According to the petitioners’ account of the proceedings, the government counsel also said their case was based on valid facts.
The submissions form part of the arguments presented during the hearing. The competing claims concerning the site’s history and religious character remain matters for consideration in the legal proceedings.
Centre, ASI and Mosque Management Made Respondents
Taking note of the matter, Justice Devan Desai issued notices to the Central Government, the ASI, the Gujarat government and the Jama Masjid managing committee, asking them to respond to the petition.
The case concerns the identification and protection of the site, the petitioners’ demand for permission to worship and their claim regarding its historical Jain identity.
The issuance of notices marks a step in the proceedings; it does not, by itself, constitute a final judicial finding on the disputed history or religious character of the structure.
