The organizations assert that temples hold extraordinary significance in Sanatan Dharma, playing a crucial role in preserving and upholding Bharatiya culture and traditions. They reference historical evidence indicating that the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi was demolished during Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's reign in 1669, with the Gyanvapi mosque constructed on its remains. Similarly, they claim the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura was demolished on Aurangzeb's orders in 1670.
The groups highlight that the Kashi and Mathura sites hold emotional significance for Hindus, comparable to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. They express concerns over potential prolonged delays in resolving these disputes, noting that the Ram Mandir case took over 75 years to conclude in independent India's courts. They advocate for the establishment of fast-track courts to ensure swift justice, similar to those set up for other significant legal matters. The organizations warn that delays in these cases may lead to unrest and erode public faith in the judiciary, emphasizing that justice delayed is justice denied.
The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which maintains the religious character of places of worship as they stood on August 15, 1947, is central to these disputes. The law prohibits altering the character of any place of worship and prevents courts from entertaining disputes over its status, with the exception of the Babri Masjid case. Petitions challenging this law argue that it infringes on religious freedom and constitutional secularism. The Supreme Court of India is currently hearing these petitions, with implications for the status of various religious structures, including the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi and the Shahi Eidgah mosque in Mathura.
The campaign by Hindu organizations comes amid broader discussions on the preservation and restoration of religious sites in India. The upcoming inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, scheduled for January 22, 2025, has intensified debates over the status of other disputed sites. Prime Minister Modi's administration has been associated with efforts to fulfill longstanding demands of Hindu nationalist groups, including the construction of the Ram temple on the site of the demolished Babri Masjid.