Legal Disputes Over Religious Sites in India

India is currently facing heightened tensions surrounding the protection of Muslim religious sites due to legal challenges to the Places of Worship Act of 1991, which aims to maintain the status of places of worship as they existed in 1947. Recent disputes, such as the Atala Masjid case in Uttar Pradesh, illustrate how right-wing Hindu groups are pursuing claims that historic mosques were built over demolished temples, with court petitions seeking to alter the character of these sites. The Supreme Court is hearing petitions that challenge the 1991 law, arguing it infringes on religious freedom, while opponents warn that weakening this law could lead to increased communal strife. The aftermath of the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992 continues to influence these conflicts, with many fearing that a legal shift could exacerbate Hindu-Muslim tensions. As cases pile up in courts, both Hindu and Muslim communities are deeply engaged in the ongoing struggle over religious identity and heritage in India. The outcome of these legal battles could fundamentally reshape the landscape of religious coexistence in the country.