Leader Online Desk : The Supreme Court today (April 1) refused to stay the Varanasi court's order allowing the Hindu party to worship in the basement of the 'Vyas Tahkhana' of the Gyanvapi Masjid. Justice JB presided over by Chief Justice Dhananjay Chandrachud. A bench comprising Justice Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Mishra ordered the parties to maintain status quo in the Gyanwapi area so that both communities can offer religious prayers.
The Varanasi District Court had on January 31 allowed Hindus to worship at the 'Vyas Tahkhana' on the south side of the Gyanvapi Masjid. A petition challenging this order was dismissed by the Allahabad High Court. The High Court had observed that there is strong evidence to show that Hindu prayers were being offered at this place since 1551. Stopping Hindu prayers through a verbal order in 1993 is illegal by the Uttar Pradesh government. Explaining that, the decision of the Varanasi District Court was upheld. A petition was filed against this in the Supreme Court.
Both communities can perform religious worship under the terms : Supreme Court
Today, a bench headed by Chief Justice Dhananjay Chandrachud clarified that the order given regarding 'Vyas Tahkhana' is right to maintain status quo. Access to the basement where worship is performed and the Muslim prayer area is separate. Prayers are being offered by Muslim communities following the orders of District Court and High Court. It is important to maintain the status quo, bearing in mind that worship in Tehkhana is restricted to Hindu priests only. Both the communities can perform religious worship under the above conditions,” the court has also issued notice to the Hindu parties on the appeal filed by the Muslim parties in this matter. The matter is listed for consideration in July.
The Varanasi District Court had given permission for the worship
On January 31, 2024, the Varanasi District Court allowed the priests to worship in the southern basement of the Gyanvapi Masjid. At midnight on February 1, religious rituals were performed in the mosque premises. Later, the southern camp was opened for devotees. A petition was filed by the Supreme Court against the order of the Varanasi District Court. However, the Supreme Court rejected this petition and made it clear that a petition should be filed in the High Court. A petition was filed by the Allahabad High Court on behalf of the Anjuman Intejamia Masjid Committee. After the court rejected it, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court in this case.
[BREAKING] Supreme Court refuses to stay order allowing Hindus to pray in Gyanvapi mosque cellar
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