Introduction:

In a significant legal development, the Allahabad High Court has rendered a verdict in the dispute surrounding the Gyanvapi Mosque and the Vyas Tehkhana, upholding the Varanasi Court’s decision. The case, marked by complex arguments and historical context, saw the Anjuman Intezamia Mosque Committee challenging the January 31 order allowing ‘Puja’ in the southern cellar of the Gyanvapi Mosque. The court’s decision, delivered by Justice Rohit Ranjan Agrawal after thorough hearings, has implications for the religious practices within the mosque premises.

Arguments of Both Sides:

The Anjuman Intezamia Mosque Committee contended that the Vyas Tehkhana was under their possession, emphasizing that there was no puja conducted in the Tehkhana since 1993. They questioned the court’s decision to appoint a receiver, asserting that the Hindu plaintiff was never in possession of the Tehkhana. On the other side, the counsels for the Hindu plaintiff supported the Varanasi District Judge’s order, emphasizing the continuous practice of Hindu ‘Puja-Path’ inside the Tehkhana. They argued that the court’s decision aligned with their prayer for the performance of prayers in Vyas Tehkhana.

Court’s Judgment:

The Allahabad High Court, in its verdict, upheld the Varanasi District Judge’s decision, allowing the performance of Hindu prayers inside the Vyas Tehkhana. The court directed the District Magistrate to facilitate the puja through a priest nominated by the Kashi Vishwanath Trust Board and the plaintiff. The judgment emphasized the compliance with Section 152 of the CrPC and acknowledged the historical context of religious practices within the Tehkhana.