New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday temporarily halted all surveys of places of worship as it began hearing petitions challenging certain provisions of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. The court directed lower courts to refrain from admitting or issuing orders on mosque surveys until the next hearing.

The Places of Worship Act, 1991 prohibits the conversion of any place of worship and mandates the preservation of their religious character as it stood on August 15, 1947. Petitioners have challenged the Act, arguing that it infringes on the rights of Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs to reclaim their historical places of worship and pilgrimage that were allegedly altered or destroyed.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justices PV Sanjay Kumar and KV Vishwanathan stated, "We are examining the vires, contours, and ambit of the 1991 law on places of worship."

According to a PTI report, the Supreme Court has directed the central government to file its response to the petitions within four weeks. Additional parties may submit rejoinders within four weeks following the government's reply. The court plans to schedule hearings after the completion of all pleadings.

The bench has also allowed intervention by various parties, including Muslim organizations, in the proceedings.

The court is currently addressing six petitions, including one filed by Ashwini Upadhyay, who has sought the annulment of Sections 2, 3, and 4 of the Places of Worship Act. One of the key arguments presented is that these provisions deprive individuals and religious groups of the judicial remedy to reclaim their places of worship.