In a significant development, the Allahabad High Court has upheld the decision of the Varanasi district court regarding the administration and usage of the Gyanvapi Mosque complex. The ruling, delivered by Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal saga surrounding the historic site.
The case revolved around the controversy concerning prayers in the Gyanvapi Mosque complex, particularly in a cellar known as the 'Vyas Tehkhana'. The dispute stemmed from an appeal filed by the Gyanvapi Mosque committee challenging the Varanasi district court's decision allowing Hindu devotees to conduct prayers in the said cellar.
After meticulous examination of the case records and thorough deliberation on arguments presented by all parties involved, the Allahabad High Court found no substantial grounds to overturn the judgment issued by the district court. Justice Agarwal, in pronouncing the verdict, highlighted the court's decision to endorse the appointment of the District Magistrate of Varanasi as the receiver of the property, as well as the authorization of 'puja' (worship) in the Tehkhana, as per the earlier orders dated 17th and 31st January 2024.
Advocates representing the Hindu community welcomed the verdict, interpreting it as a significant triumph for Sanatana Dharma (the eternal way of life). Advocate Prabhash expressed satisfaction over the dismissal of the appeals filed by the Muslim side, emphasizing that the continuity of 'puja' as directed by the district court remains unaffected. He noted the possibility of a review of the decision by the opposing party but asserted that the worship activities will persist under the supervision of the District Magistrate.
Echoing similar sentiments, Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, underscored the implications of the High Court's ruling. He highlighted the dismissal of the appeal lodged by the Anjuman Intezamia against the earlier orders, affirming that the ongoing 'puja' in the Vyas Tehkhana of the Gyanvapi complex will endure. Jain also hinted at the readiness of the Hindu community to defend the decision in higher courts should the opposing party escalate the matter to the Supreme Court.
The Varanasi district court's directive on January 31, granting permission for Hindu devotees to offer prayers in the southern cellar of the Gyanvapi mosque, marked a significant legal milestone. The court's decision to entrust the arrangements for 'puja' to the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust underscored the delicate balance sought in resolving religious disputes while upholding the principles of justice and communal harmony.
As the legal battle over the Gyanvapi Mosque complex continues to unfold, the recent verdict by the Allahabad High Court stands as a testament to the judiciary's commitment to adjudicate contentious matters impartially and uphold the rule of law. It reinforces the importance of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among diverse religious communities, setting a precedent for resolving similar disputes across the nation.
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