Kashi-Mathura dispute, Waqf Bill on table at VHP meet with former Judges

VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal said it was a platform to exchange ideas. “There was discussion on nationalism and Hindutva. The laws affecting Hindus, liberation of temples, religious conversions, killing of cows and the Waqf Board were discussed,” he said.

Late on Sunday, Meghwal posted on X photographs of the gathering which had senior VHP leaders such as Alok Kumar and joint general secretary Surendra Jain apart from several former Judges. “There was a detailed discussion on judicial reforms aimed at making India a developed country,” Meghwal said, adding that “retired Judges, jurists, senior lawyers and intellectuals” were present.

VHP sources said besides discussing contemporary legal issues, a senior VHP leader also said the role of Judges does not end post-retirement, and they must contribute by engaging in “rashtra nirman” (nation building).

The development is significant since several ideological issues of the Sangh Parivar are currently pending in the courts. These include the disputes over the Kashi Vishwanath-Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi and the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Masjid Idgah in Mathura.

Some anti-conversion laws passed by various BJP-ruled states have also come under scrutiny of the courts. And the Waqf Bill has been sent to a Joint Committee of Parliament, with key BJP allies like the JD(U) and LJP expressing reservations.

“This is the first time that we have organised such an event. We plan to make it a regular affair. Such exchange of ideas will help the legal fraternity understand our views, and we will develop some legal understanding to take forward our agendas. After all, we are looking at legal ways of achieving our goals,” a senior VHP leader said.

Following the Supreme Court’s 2019 verdict in the Ayodhya case, the view in the Sangh is that instead of pushing for ground-level movements that can disrupt law and order, it can get “justice” on contentious matters like Kashi and Mathura through the courts.