Amidst the fervor of temple-mosque disputes that have gripped the nation, two figures have emerged as champions of the Hindu cause in the Gyanvapi Masjid case – the dynamic father-son duo of Hari Shankar Jain and Vishnu Shankar Jain.
With their unwavering dedication, they have etched their names into the annals of legal history, pursuing justice in more than 110 cases, encompassing landmarks such as the Babri Masjid (Ayodhya), Gyanvapi Masjid (Varanasi), Taj Mahal (Agra), and Qutub Minar (New Delhi).
Key Facts
Key facts about Advocates Hari Shankar Jain and Vishnu Shankar Jain:
| Aspect | Hari Shankar Jain | Vishnu Shankar Jain |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | Over 68 years in the legal profession | Active legal practice in Supreme Court |
| Notable Cases | Babri Masjid, Gyanvapi Masjid, Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Shahi Idgah, and more | Collaborative work with father in significant cases |
| Legal Advocacy | Renowned for championing Hindu heritage and justice | Advocate for heritage preservation and Hindu rights |
| Landmark Victory | Collaborative work with the father in significant cases | Continues father’s legacy in legal advocacy |
| Societal Impact | Influential in shaping discourse on heritage preservation, faith, and cultural continuity | Actively promotes heritage preservation and Hindu rights |
| Organizational Affiliations | Associated with Hindu Mahasabha, Sanatan Sanstha, Bhagwa Raksha Vahini, and more | Engaged with Hindu Mahasabha, Sanatan Sanstha, and other organizations |
| Vision | Aims for a “Hindu revolution by legal awareness,” emphasizing legal education | Carries forward the vision for a just and informed society |
| Public Involvement | Contested elections against Sonia Gandhi in Amethi; Filed petitions challenging citizenship and marriage | Collaborative work with the father in significant cases |
| Collaborative Efforts | Collaborated with son Vishnu in legal cases; Worked together to challenge the Places of Worship Act | Collaborates with father in significant cases and heritage matters |
| Continuity | Pioneering father-son duo, bridging generations in pursuit of justice | Instrumental in granting Hindu worshippers access to Babri Masjid in 1993 |
Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain’s recent appearance in the Gyanvapi mosque case, representing the petitioners’ right to worship, brought them to the forefront of national discourse. However, an unfortunate ailment suffered by his father and co-counsel, Hari Shankar Jain, led to the postponement of the hearing. The Jain duo’s unparalleled expertise and possession of the complete case file underscored their significant role in the case.
Vishnu Shankar Jain’s involvement extended beyond the courtroom. He was an integral part of the team entrusted with surveying the Gyanvapi mosque, in compliance with a court directive. A contentious discovery of a Shivling within the mosque’s premises added to the fervor surrounding the case, raising poignant questions about the historical and cultural significance of the site. The controversy surrounding their work highlights the duo’s impactful presence in legal circles.
Hari Shankar, a seasoned legal expert of 68 years completed 47 years of practice in the legal profession on the path of Dharma, and his 36-year-old son Vishnu are pivotal players in six ongoing cases that challenge historical claims of temples situated within mosques. This gamut of cases spans across Teela Wali Masjid in Lucknow, Bhojshala in Dhar (Madhya Pradesh), Taj Mahal in Agra, Qutub Minar in Delhi, Shahi Idgah in Mathura, and Gyanvapi Masjid in Varanasi.
Their legal pursuits have ignited a series of challenges against specific provisions of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act of 1991, raising profound questions about heritage preservation, faith, and the evolution of cultural landscapes.
Their journey commenced in 1993 when Hari Shankar Jain secured a landmark victory, facilitating Hindu worshippers’ access to the Babri Masjid. This milestone not only reshaped his career but also conveyed a resounding message to lower court judges about the support petitioners could offer. Hari Shankar’s contribution to the legal landscape is underscored by his multifaceted approach, including electoral contests and legal battles on diverse issues.
Vishnu Shankar, a graduate of Pune’s Balaji Law College, is poised to follow in his father’s footsteps. He is a licensed advocate practicing in the Supreme Court, actively collaborating with his father across multiple cases. Their combined efforts have yielded significant results, as evidenced by the preliminary orders passed in several of their cases.
Hari Shankar and Vishnu Shankar Jain’s tenacity in pursuing justice and upholding the Hindu cause reflects their commitment to leaving an indelible mark on India’s legal and cultural landscape. Their association with organizations like Hindu Mahasabha, Sanatan Sanstha, and others showcases their dedication to weaving change within the socio-cultural fabric. Their advocacy goes beyond legal proceedings, extending into the realm of socio-religious discourse, where they fervently champion their vision for a “Hindu revolution by legal awareness.”
In conclusion, the formidable father-son legal alliance of Hari Shankar Jain and Vishnu Shankar Jain stands as unwavering defenders of Hindu heritage and justice. Their multi-generational synergy encapsulates their unyielding commitment, as they navigate the intricate corridors of Indian law and society, leaving an indomitable legacy that continues to shape the nation’s legal discourse. Through their endeavors, they have ignited discussions on faith, cultural continuity, and the delicate balance between historical preservation and evolving societal norms.
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