Gyanvapi mosque Varanasi court 17 Aug

The Gyanvapi mosque dispute continues to capture attention as the Varanasi district court prepares to hear a plea from Hindu petitioners on August 17. The petitioners have requested that Muslims be prohibited from walking on the roof of Vyasji’s basement within the mosque complex, citing concerns about the structural integrity of the site.

On January 31, the Varanasi district judge had directed the local administration to facilitate worship rituals for Hindus inside one of the sealed basements, known as Vyasji ka tehkhana, in the Gyanvapi mosque complex. This order allowed Hindu devotees to conduct worship and view the idols installed in the basement.

During a brief hearing on Saturday, representatives from both the Hindu and Muslim sides were present. The Muslim side is expected to present their arguments in the upcoming hearing. The petitioners’ counsel, Madan Mohan Yadav, emphasized the urgency of their request, highlighting the potential risk posed by the current situation.

Yadav explained that the roof of Vyasji’s basement is old and fragile, making it unsuitable for frequent use. “The roof of Vyasji’s basement is quite old and weak. Muslims walk on the roof to pray, which is not appropriate for the worship site. The basement’s roof and pillars are very fragile, and there is a risk of collapse,” he said. The Hindu side is requesting that necessary repairs be made to the roof and pillars to ensure the safety and sanctity of the worship site.

After considering the concerns raised by the Hindu petitioners, District Judge Sanjeev Pandey scheduled the next hearing for August 17. The court will further examine the plea and hear arguments from both sides before making a decision.

The roots of this controversy can be traced back to a court order on January 31, which permitted Hindu worship inside one of the sealed basements of the Gyanvapi mosque complex. This directive followed the release of a report by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which indicated that a Hindu temple existed at the site before the construction of the mosque. The court’s decision included specific instructions for a priest to perform puja in the southern cellar of the mosque complex.

The ASI report has played a crucial role in the ongoing legal battle. According to the report, the Gyanvapi mosque was constructed on the remnants of a Hindu temple, a finding that has fueled the demands of Hindu petitioners for access and the right to worship at the site. The court’s acknowledgment of the ASI report and subsequent orders have intensified the dispute, drawing national attention to the case.

As the August 17 hearing approaches, both sides are preparing to present their arguments. The Hindu petitioners are focused on ensuring the safety and integrity of Vyasji’s basement, while the Muslim representatives are expected to argue for their continued access to the mosque premises. The court’s decision will likely have significant implications for the future of the Gyanvapi mosque complex and the ongoing religious dispute.

The roots of this controversy can be traced back to a court order on January 31, which permitted Hindu worship inside one of the sealed basements of the Gyanvapi mosque complex. This directive followed the release of a report by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which indicated that a Hindu temple existed at the site before the construction of the mosque. The court’s decision included specific instructions for a priest to perform puja in the southern cellar of the mosque complex.

The Gyanvapi row is emblematic of the broader conflicts over religious sites in India, where historical grievances and contemporary legal battles intersect. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for similar disputes across the country, making the upcoming hearing a pivotal moment in the legal and cultural landscape.

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