The Supreme Court recently made a significant decision regarding the ongoing puja at the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Here are the key updates and background details surrounding this ruling.
Background
In January, a Varanasi court permitted Hindus to conduct prayers in the southern cellar of the Gyanvapi mosque, known as ‘Vyas Ji ka Tehkhana.’ This decision was challenged by the Muslim side but was upheld by the Allahabad High Court in February.
Supreme Court’s Decision
Recently, the Supreme Court refused to halt the ongoing puja at the Gyanvapi mosque’s southern cellar and ordered a status quo on worship activities by both Hindus and Muslims on the premises. The bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, has asked for responses from the Kashi Vishwanath temple trustees and others by April 30.
Legal Proceedings
The Supreme Court was hearing an appeal filed by the Muslims against the Allahabad High Court’s decision, which rejected their plea challenging the Varanasi court ruling allowing Hindu prayers in the cellar.
Senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, representing the Muslim side, presented a Google Earth image of the disputed area, which was acknowledged by the court.
Observations by the Court
The bench noted that access to the ‘Tehkhana’ in question is from the southern side, while access to the mosque for offering namaz is from the northern side, as depicted in the provided image.
High Court’s Decision
On February 26, the Allahabad High Court dismissed the mosque committee’s plea, stating that the Uttar Pradesh government’s decision in 1993 to halt worship rituals in the ‘Tehkhana’ was deemed illegal.
Historical Context
There have been claims by several Hindu activists asserting the existence of a temple at the disputed site of the Gyanvapi mosque, which was allegedly demolished in the 17th century by the orders of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. However, these claims have been refuted by the Muslim side.