The Supreme Court on Wednesday remarked that the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah mosque dispute appeared to be “jinxed” as it faced repeated adjournments in the proceedings.

A Bench of Justices Sanjay Kumar and Sanjeev Sachdeva was hearing a plea challenging an Allahabad High Court order that had recognised one Hindu party as the representative of all devotees of Lord Krishna.

“We will have to hear all of you. This matter is jinxed in that sense. Getting adjourned from date after date…,” the Bench remarked during the hearing.

The observation came after the Court was informed that the plaintiffs before the Allahabad High Court had not been able to reach an understanding. The parties had earlier indicated the possibility of a settlement concerning differences within the Hindu side of the dispute.

The Supreme Court said it would hear the parties on the merits. However, due to paucity of time, the matter was adjourned to November 6.

The dispute relates to the Shahi Idgah Masjid in Mathura, with the Hindu plaintiffs claiming that the mosque was constructed over land associated with the Krishna Janmabhoomi.

The original suit was filed on behalf of the Hindu deity Bhagwan Shri Krishna Virajman and certain Hindu devotees. The plaintiffs sought removal of the mosque from the disputed site.

They also claimed that various features and indications at the site supported their contention that the structure was originally a Hindu temple. An application was subsequently moved before the Allahabad High Court seeking appointment of a commissioner to inspect the site.

The civil court had initially dismissed the suit in September 2020, holding that it was barred under the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991.

The order was later overturned by the Mathura District Court in May 2022, which held that the suit was maintainable.

The proceedings were subsequently transferred to the Allahabad High Court in 2023, where several connected pleas concerning the dispute are pending.