Latest Developments in Gyanvapi Mosque Case: Hindus Permitted to Continue Prayers in Vyas Cellar, Allahabad High Court Notes Weakness in Muslim Side’s Arguments

Updates on Gyanvapi Mosque Case: The Allahabad High Court has upheld the Varanasi court’s decision permitting Hindus to offer prayers inside Vyas Tehkhana of Gyanvapi. This verdict follows days of deliberation, with the high court reserving its judgment after the conclusion of hearings on February 15. An appeal filed by the Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Committee against the Varanasi district court’s ruling was considered by a bench led by Justice Rohit Ranjan Agrawal. The Muslim side contested the district court’s decision, which granted permission to the Hindu community to conduct prayers in the Vyas Tehkhana, one of the four chambers located in the mosque’s basement. The order was issued based on a petition by Shailendra Kumar Pathak, whose maternal grandfather had been offering prayers in the Tehkhana until December 1993.

Key Updates:

• Allahabad High Court Remarks: The court remarked that the arguments presented by the Muslim side appeared weak. It upheld the district judge’s order appointing a receiver for the district magistrate and allowing the Hindu community to continue their prayers. The court also dismissed the first appeal filed against the order.
• Advocate’s Perspective: Advocate Madan Mohan Yadav, representing the Hindu side, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision. He remarked that even if the Muslim side moves to the Supreme Court, they are confident of their stance.
• Historical Context: Advocate Subhash Nandan Chaturvedi highlighted that historical religious rituals had been taking place in the Vyas Tehkhana until 1993 when they were abruptly halted without any documented order. The court’s decision upheld the district court’s ruling, dismissing objections from the Anjuman Intezamia’s Masjid Committee.
• Continued Opposition: Despite the ruling, advocate Hari Shankar Jain affirmed that the Hindu side remains prepared to oppose any further challenges from the Muslim side, should they choose to pursue the matter in the Supreme Court.
• Significance of Decision: Advocate Prabhash Pandey emphasized the significance of the court’s decision as a victory for Sanatan Dharm (Hinduism). He stated that the puja (prayer ritual) would continue, and the District Magistrate would remain as the receiver of the Tehkhana. Pandey noted that while the Muslim side could seek a review of the decision, the puja would persist.

Overall, the Allahabad High Court’s ruling represents a significant development in the ongoing legal battle over religious rights and heritage at the Gyanvapi Mosque site.