In 2005, the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Waqf Board decided to declare the Taj Mahal as its property.
The three-judge Supreme Court bench slammed the Sunni Waqf Board for claiming the ownership of Taj Mahal. The judges lashed out at the counsel of the Waqf board saying such issues must not waste the time of the Supreme Court.
In 2005, the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Waqf Board decided to declare the Taj Mahal as its property. However, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) contended the claim and filed a plea in the Supreme Court. The three-judge bench hearing the matter comprised CJI Dipak Mishra, Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice DY Chandrachud. The bench asked, “Who in India will believe it belongs to Wakf Board?”
The Supreme Court’s retort came after the Waqf Board’s counsel justified the ownership appeal by saying that Emperor Shah Jahan himself handed over Taj Mahal to the Waqf. Upon this, the Supreme Court judges bench asked the Waqf Board to produce the documents with the signature of Emperor Shah Jahan. “Show us the signature”, said the CJI. The counsel, however, sought more time from the court to produce the documents.
During the hearing, the judges told the Waqf Board counsel that the Taj Mahal and other such historic monuments build by Mughals were passed on to British after the end of the Mughal rule. Later, during the time of independence, these monuments were handed over to the Government of India and since are being managed by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI).
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