February 17, 2025: The Supreme Court of India has firmly refused to entertain any new petitions challenging the Places of Worship Act, 1991, with Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna making a strong statement against repeated filings.

"Enough is enough. There has to be an end to this," remarked CJI Khanna during the hearing, emphasizing that the court will not consider fresh pleas on the matter. However, the bench clarified that intervention petitions introducing new legal grounds would still be permitted.

The Places of Worship Act was enacted in 1991 to maintain the religious character of places of worship as they stood on August 15, 1947, with the exception of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute. The law has been at the center of legal battles concerning temple-mosque conflicts, including those involving the Kashi Vishwanath-Gyanvapi mosque, Shahi Idgah-Krishna Janmabhoomi, and the Sambhal mosque.

The original challenge to the law was filed by advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay. However, the Supreme Court had previously put a hold on proceedings in 18 lawsuits from Hindu groups seeking to reclaim 10 mosques. It also consolidated all temple-mosque dispute cases under one hearing.

The issue has sparked political reactions, with parties like the Congress and Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM supporting the law and urging strict enforcement. A petitioner appearing in court on Monday argued that upholding the Act is essential for peaceful coexistence.

During the hearing, CJI Khanna noted that while intervention petitions may be allowed under certain conditions, the court cannot allow unlimited filings on the issue. Meanwhile, senior advocate Vikas Singh, representing the petitioners, pointed out that the Centre has yet to file its response.

The next hearing has been scheduled for the first week of April.