Taj Mahal one of the 7 wonders, people may offer prayers at other mosques: SC

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New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a plea challenging Agra authority's order that debarred outsiders from offering prayers on Fridays at the mosque in Taj Mahal complex. The top court said that the historic Taj Mahal is one of the seven wonders of the world so people should offer prayers at other mosques.

Last year, a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-linked organisation had demanded that Friday prayers at the Taj Maha should be banned. The demand to ban Friday prayers had come from Akhil Bhartiya Itihaas Sankalan Samiti – the history wing of the RSS.

Dr Balmukund Pandey, the National Organisation Secretary of the organisation, had said that the Taj Mahal is a national heritage so Muslims should not be allowed to use it as a religious site. Permission to perform 'namaz' at the Taj Mahal should be withdrawn, he had said.

Pandey had further said if 'namaz' is allowed then Hindus should also be granted permission to perform Shiva prayers at the Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays to facilitate the prayers.