Allahabad High Court Upholds Varanasi District Court’s Decision on Gyanvapi Mosque Prayers Dispute

In a significant development, the Allahabad High Court has dismissed the appeal filed by the Gyanvapi Mosque committee challenging the Varanasi district court’s ruling permitting prayers in a cellar within the Gyanvapi mosque complex. Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal of the Allahabad HC delivered the judgment.

Justice Agarwal, while pronouncing the verdict, stated, “After thoroughly examining the case records and considering arguments from all parties involved, the court found no grounds to intervene in the district judge’s decision dated 17th January 2024 appointing the District Magistrate of Varanasi as the property receiver, as well as the order dated 31st January 2024 permitting Puja in the Tehkhana.”

The Varanasi district court’s ruling on January 31 allowed the Hindu side to conduct prayers in the southern cellar of the Gyanvapi mosque, known as the ‘Vyas Tehkhana.’ Additionally, the court directed the district magistrate to arrange for the Puja and a pujari nominated by the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust.

Following this ruling, the Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Committee, which oversees the management of the Gyanvapi Mosque, challenged the decision before the Allahabad High Court on February 1. This move came after the Supreme Court declined an urgent hearing of the mosque committee’s plea.

Also read: Allahabad High Court to Deliver Verdict on Hindu Prayers in Gyanvapi Mosque Cellar Dispute

The mosque, housing four ‘tahkhanas’ (cellars) in its basement, retains one under the possession of the Vyas family, who formerly resided there. However, the mosque committee asserted that the ‘Vyas Tehkhana’ is part of the mosque premises and that no individual, including the Vyas family, has the right to worship within it.

On the other hand, the Hindu side contended that religious ceremonies were conducted by the Vyas family in the basement until 1993, following which they ceased in compliance with a directive from the state government.

Meanwhile, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi criticized the Varanasi court’s decision, labeling it a “violation of the Places of Worship Act.” He questioned the judge’s knowledge about the presence of an idol inside, emphasizing the need for a fair appeal process.

The verdict marks a significant development in the ongoing legal battle surrounding the Gyanvapi mosque, reflecting the complex interplay of religious sentiments and legal provisions.