Explore the Gyanvapi Masjid Committee’s challenge against Varanasi Court’s historic decision, igniting a religious controversy. Uncover legal battles, perspectives, and rituals as this clash unfolds, shaping a contentious case at the Allahabad High Court.
In a recent turn of events, the Gyanvapi masjid committee has approached the Allahabad High Court to contest the Varanasi district court’s ruling allowing Hindus to conduct puja in the ‘Vyas Tehkana’ or the southern cellar of the Gyanvapi structure. This decision has sparked controversy as prayers were performed in this area for the first time in 31 years shortly after the court’s order.
Legal Battle Unfolds
Lawyers representing the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee swiftly moved to the Supreme Court, seeking an urgent hearing on the matter. However, the Supreme Court registrar directed them to approach the high court, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The Muslim side criticized the administration for undertaking the task hastily in the dead of the night, alleging collusion with the plaintiffs to thwart any remedies by the Mosque Managing Committee.
Muslim Side’s Perspective
The Muslim side contends that the Varanasi district court’s order overlooked crucial aspects, including the Advocate Commissioner report of 2022, ASI’s report, and the decision of 1937, all favoring the Muslim side. They argue that the Hindu side failed to provide evidence of prayers being held before 1993, challenging the historical claims.
Historical Judgment and Immediate Actions
The Varanasi court’s decision, considered historical, granted permission for Hindu devotees to offer prayers inside the ‘Vyas Ka Tekhana’ area within the Gyanvapi mosque complex. The court directed the district administration to make necessary arrangements within seven days, leading to the reopening of the tahkhana after 31 years.
Rituals and Controversies
Following the cleaning of the cellar, an ‘aarti’ of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh took place, as reported by locals. The Kashi-Vishwanath temple trust members were called in the evening, removing barricades before the Nandi statue facing the mosque’s ‘wazukhana.’ Videos surfaced on social media showing the Hindu side placing mandir stickers on a Gyanvapi mosque signboard, adding another layer of controversy.
ASI Findings and Hindu Side’s Response
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey suggested that the Gyanvapi mosque was constructed during Aurangzeb’s rule over the remains of a Hindu temple. Hindu side lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain shared the timings for daily aarti at the tahkhana, stating that prayers would be offered five times a day.
Conclusion
As the legal battle intensifies and religious sentiments come to the forefront, the Gyanvapi masjid committee’s move to challenge the Varanasi court’s decision in the Allahabad High Court adds a new dimension to this ongoing dispute. The clash between historical evidence, legal perspectives, and religious practices is poised to shape the outcome of this contentious case.