The Supreme Court has referred the longstanding Gyanvapi dispute in Varanasi to a Special Lok Adalat under its Samadhan Samaroh-2026 programme, directing Hindu and Muslim parties to pursue a negotiated resolution instead of extended court proceedings. This step forms part of wider efforts to resolve pending matters through Special Lok Adalats organised for the court’s 75th anniversary. The initiative, known as Supreme Court Action for Mediated Adjudication and Disputes Harmonization Across Nation, seeks to encourage consensual outcomes in suitable cases. The Gyanvapi matter will be heard on August 21-23, with a preliminary session set for July 14 in Varanasi. The court expressed optimism that facilitated talks could narrow differences. The same framework has been applied to the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute in Mathura. Related special leave petitions were sent to the Lok Adalat, yet the initial conciliation session yielded no progress after the Muslim side did not attend. Around 18 related suits remain before the Allahabad High Court. Notices have also been issued in the Hari Mandir-Mosque case in Sambhal. The programme aims to provide a platform for dialogue in sensitive, long-pending matters, though success depends on the parties’ willingness to engage.
