In Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, the Allahbad high court delivered its judgment on Monday, dismissing the appeal challenging the Varanasi District Judge’s decision that permitted Hindu devotees to engage in prayers within the confines of the ‘Vyas Ka Tehkhana’ area situated in the Gyanvapi mosque complex. Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal of the Allahabad High Court pronounced the verdict.
Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal, in dismissing the plea, articulated, “Upon thorough examination of the complete case records and contemplation of the arguments presented by the involved parties, the court discerned no justifiable reason to intervene in the district judge’s decision of January 17. This decision appointed the Varanasi district magistrate as the custodian of the property, along with the order dated January 31, which granted permission for religious rituals in the tehkhana.”
The appeals presented before the high court originated from the Anjuman Intezamia Mosque Committee, responsible for managing the affairs of the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi.
Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, commented, “Today, the Allahabad High Court has dismissed the primary appeal against the orders of Anjuman Intezamia, contesting the decisions of January 17 and 31. The consequence of this ruling is that the ongoing religious ceremonies in the ‘Vyas Tehkhana’ within the Gyanvapi complex will persist. If Anjuman Intezamia decides to approach the Supreme Court, we will file our caveat in response.”
Advocate Prabhash Pandey added, “The judge rejected the pleas filed by the Muslim side against the District Judge’s decision. This signifies the continuation of the religious ceremonies, with the District Magistrate retaining his position as the custodian of the ‘tehkhana.’ It stands as a significant triumph for our Sanatana Dharma. While they (the Muslim side) have the option to seek a review of the decision, the religious rituals will endure.”
Previously, the court had reserved its decision following an extensive debate between the involved parties. The pronouncement was scheduled for 10 am on February 26. The mosque comprises four ‘tahkhanas’ (cellars) in the basement, one of which remains under the possession of the Vyas family, who once resided there.
Beforehand, Asaduddin Owaisi, the president of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), expressed that the Varanasi court’s ruling, allowing Hindu worshippers to conduct prayers within the ‘Vyas Ka Tekhana’ area of the Gyanvapi mosque complex, contravened the Places of Worship Act.