India

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.

Srushti Sharma

Recent Posts

Anthropic CEO Meets PM Modi; Discusses India’s Growing Role In Responsible AI Development

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei meets PM Modi to discuss India’s expanding role in responsible AI.

11 hours ago

Ram Charan Meets PM Modi; Praises Vision For Promoting Sports And Indian Heritage

Ram Charan meets PM Modi to discuss the Archery Premier League and praise his vision…

12 hours ago

JMI Tops Central Universities; Breaks Into 401-500 Band In The Rankings 2026

Jamia Millia Islamia tops Central Universities, securing a 401-500 global rank in The Rankings 2026.

12 hours ago

CM Yogi Adityanath Highlights Spiritual Legacy And National Unity During Visit To Ghazipur’s Hathiyaram Math

CM Yogi Adityanath visits Hathiyaram Math in Ghazipur, highlighting India’s spiritual legacy, unity, and vision…

12 hours ago

US Ambassador-Designate Sergio Gor Highlights Strong Bilateral Ties During India Visit

US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor underscores strong US-India ties, focusing on trade, defence, technology, and strategic…

14 hours ago

PM Dhan Dhanya Yojana & Pulse Self-Reliance Mission To Ensure Farmers’ Prosperity: Dr Dinesh Sharma

PM Dhan Dhanya Yojana, Pulse Self-Reliance Mission uplift farmers, ensure rural prosperity, self-reliance and innovation.

16 hours ago