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  Congress Moves Supreme Court Seeking Intervention in 1991 Places of Worship Act Cases Introduction The Indian National Congress (INC) recently approached the Supreme Court, seeking intervention in cases challenging the constitutional validity of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 . The Act, which preserves the religious character of places of worship as they stood on August 15, 1947 , has been the subject of multiple legal disputes. The Congress emphasized its pivotal role in enacting the law and its commitment to defending the secular fabric of India. Background of the 1991 Places of Worship Act (POWA) The Places of Worship Act was enacted by the Parliament in 1991 to: Prohibit the conversion of any place of worship from its original religious character. Preserve the status quo of religious structures as they existed on August 15, 1947. Impose strict penalties for any violations of the Act. The legislation exempted the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid ...

Hindu Outfit Moves SC on Places of Worship Act: A Legal Battle for Religious Rights Introduction to the Plea The Akhil Bhartiya Sant Samiti, a Hindu organization, has approached the Supreme Court, seeking to intervene in cases challenging the validity of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 . This legislation maintains the religious character of places of worship as they stood on August 15, 1947 , preventing alterations or disputes about their status. The Samiti's plea argues that Sections 3 and 4 of the Act infringe on fundamental rights, including the right to equality and the freedom to practice religion. Key Provisions of the Act in Question Section 3 : Prohibits converting any place of worship from one religious denomination to another. Section 4 : Bars filing legal suits or initiating proceedings to alter the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947. The Act aims to ensure communal harmony by freezing the religious ...