Explore the historic Varanasi court decision granting Hindu worship rights in Gyanvapi Mosque’s cellar. Witness the legal battle victory as the Hindu side prepares for prayers, while a mosque committee plans to challenge the judgment in higher court.
In a landmark decision, the Varanasi district court has given the family of a priest the authority to worship Hindu deities in the ‘Vyas Ka Tekhana’ area within the Gyanvapi mosque complex. District Judge Ajay Krishna Vishwesha ruled on January 31, allowing the priest’s kin to conduct prayers in the cellar and directed the District Magistrate to take over the basement, ensuring that the puja commences within the next seven days.
Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, expressed the significance of the court’s decision, stating, “Puja will start within seven days. Everyone will have the right to perform puja. The Hindu side is now permitted to offer prayers at ‘Vyas Ka Tekhana,’ and the District Administration must make arrangements within seven days.”
The Gyanvapi mosque complex contains four ‘tahkhanas’ (cellars) in the basement, one of which is still under the possession of the Vyas family. The petition, filed by Shailendra Kumar Pathak, the maternal grandson of priest Somnath Vyas, sought the right to worship deities in this specific cellar. The court’s decision comes after the cellar was closed by authorities in 1993, halting prayers on the orders of the then State Government.
The Hindu side hails the court’s decision as historic, drawing parallels with the February 1, 1986 order that opened the locks of the Ram Mandir. Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain stated, “It is a historic order. One State government had misused its power to stop Hindu devotees from offering prayers there, and today, the court rectified it with its pen, giving the order to allow the prayers.”
He emphasized that the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust, responsible for making arrangements for prayers, does not require any additional order to proceed. “As soon as arrangements are made, Hindu devotees will start offering prayers,” Jain added.
However, a mosque committee has announced its intention to challenge the judgment in the Allahabad High Court. The legal battle continues as the Hindu side celebrates their victory in the Gyanvapi case. Advocates representing the petitioners flashed victory signs after the court’s decision.
Advocate Subhash Nandan Chaturvedi, another lawyer for the Hindu side, informed the media, “Today the right has been given to perform puja [prayers] at ‘Vyas Ka Tekhana,’ and the court has given the order to the district officer for compliance within a week.”
Responding to queries, he mentioned, “Next, there will be a survey on Wuzu Khana, for which there will be a hearing in the Supreme Court.” Chaturvedi expressed confidence in completing the legal case and securing a win.
In conclusion, the Varanasi district court’s decision to permit Hindu worship in the Gyanvapi mosque basement marks a significant moment in the ongoing legal saga. As the Hindu side prepares to resume prayers in the ‘Vyas Ka Tekhana,’ the legal battle continues with a mosque committee gearing up to challenge the judgment in the higher court.