Prayagraj (UP): The Allahabad High Court on Thursday dismissed a petition by the Muslim side challenging the admissibility of 18 lawsuits filed by Hindus seeking the removal of a mosque from a 13.37-acre complex it shares with the Katra Keshav Dev temple, media reports said.

Justice Mayank Kumar Jain delivered the verdict, nearly two months after reserving judgment on June 6.

The court ruled that the lawsuits filed by Hindu worshippers and the deity are not barred by the Limitation Act or the Places of Worship Act, among other laws, according to an India Today report.

This decision counters the main argument of the Committee of Management Trust Shahi Masjid Idgah (Mathura), which claimed that the pending lawsuits were prohibited by the Places of Worship Act 1991, the Limitation Act 1963, and the Specific Relief Act 1963.

Taslima Aziz Ahmadi, representing the Muslim side, argued that the matter should fall under the jurisdiction of the Waqf tribunal, as it involves Waqf property.

In response, the Hindu plaintiffs argued that no property under the name Shah Idgah is listed in government records and accused the mosque of illegal occupation.

They also asserted that if the property is claimed to be Waqf, the Waqf Board must disclose the donor of the disputed property.

The hearing of petitions will resume on August 12.