Introduction:

In a significant development, the Varanasi District Judge has issued a directive to the District Administration, mandating arrangements within 7 days for the resumption of Hindu worshipping rituals inside a sealed cellar within the Gyanvapi Mosque complex. This ruling pertains to the ‘Somnath Vyas’ tehkhana, where religious ceremonies were halted in 1993 following a state government directive. The order, passed in response to an application by Hindu plaintiffs seeking the right to worship, signals a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal discourse surrounding the Gyanvapi Mosque.

Arguments of Both Sides:

The Hindu plaintiffs argued for the restoration of religious practices in the ‘tehkhana,’ contending that the cessation in 1993 was based on a state government directive, and it was time to reclaim their worship rights. On the other hand, the opposing side might have raised concerns about potential disruptions, emphasizing the need to maintain the status quo within the Gyanvapi Mosque premises.

Court’s Judgement:

The District Judge’s order mandates the District Magistrate to facilitate puja and rituals inside the southern cellar of the Gyanvapi Mosque through a priest nominated by the Kashi Vishwanath Trust Board and the plaintiffs. The directive underscores the importance of making suitable arrangements, including iron fencing, within seven days.