New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Thursday expressed its approval of the Supreme Court’s interim ruling regarding the Places of Worship Act, 1991, which has placed limitations on filing new lawsuits, issuing effective or final judgments, and conducting surveys in ongoing cases related to mosques and shrines.

AIMPLB Spokesperson S.Q.R. Ilyas praised the apex court’s interim order, highlighting that local courts were compromising the essence of the Places of Worship Act by accepting petitions and issuing directives concerning mosques, according to a statement.

“The way in which local courts declared appeals admissible and issued orders on mosques and dargahs has rendered this act ineffective. The Supreme Court has now halted any effective or final decisions and prohibited survey orders until the next hearing. It also clarified that no new petitions should be filed until the apex court delivers its next ruling,” he remarked.

He mentioned that the court reiterated that civil courts cannot render judgments that parallel those of the apex court, necessitating a stay in such instances. It noted that a five-judge bench order on this matter already exists.

The act was contested in 2020, prompting the Supreme Court to request a response from the central government. The court has once again instructed the government to provide its reply, which will be made publicly accessible on its website.

Besides AIMPLB, numerous other parties are engaged in the case as intervenors. The Board expressed optimism that this interim order would discourage malicious activities aimed at mosques and shrines across the nation.

It urged the Supreme Court to take a clear and positive stance on the Places of Worship Act promptly to ensure the rule of law and prevent attempts to incite unrest and instability.