The Gyanvapi Masjid Committee’s plea to ban Hindu worship in the Gyanvapi complex’s basement has been dismissed by the Allahabad High Court. This challenge arose after the Varanasi District Court permitted Hindus to worship in the said basement.
High Court’s Verdict
Justice Rohit Ranjan Aggarwal, in his ruling, stated that a thorough examination of the case records and arguments from all parties didn’t reveal grounds to overturn the district court’s decision. The district court, on January 17, had appointed the District Magistrate as the property’s receiver, allowing worship in the basement on January 31.
"ज्ञानवापी के व्यास तहखाने में जारी रहेगी पूजा-पाठ"
◆ इलाहाबाद HC कोर्ट का फ़ैसला
Gyanvapi | #Gyanvapi | Allahabad High Court | #AllahabadHighCourt pic.twitter.com/Itc362DAvf
— News24 (@news24tvchannel) February 26, 2024
District Court’s Decision
The Varanasi district court’s January 31 order allowed Hindu worship in the Gyanvapi Masjid’s Vyasji basement. The court directed the District Magistrate to facilitate the puja and appoint a priest nominated by the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust. The Muslim side contested this decision in the Allahabad High Court.
Gyanvapi – ASI Report and Controversy
The Gyanvapi’s identity as a mosque or temple has stirred controversy. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) report revealed marks indicating a previous Hindu temple on the premises. Gyanvapi is situated beside the renowned Kashi Vishwanath temple, with four basements in the mosque complex. The court has granted permission for worship in Vyasji’s basement.
