Varanasi Court Decision on Gyanvapi Mosque Survey
In Varanasi, the Court of Civil Judge (Senior Division) Fast Track Court dismissed a plea from the Hindu side for an additional survey by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at the Gyanvapi complex. The Hindu side, represented by advocate Vijay Shankar Rastogi, claimed the presence of a 100-foot Shivling under the central dome and requested further excavation and survey. Rastogi expressed disappointment and plans to appeal to the High Court within 30 days.
Rastogi argued that the decision contradicts previous orders from April 8, 2021, which mandated a 5-member committee, including a minority community member and a central university expert, to conduct the survey. The Hindu side believes the previous ASI survey did not comply with this order.
Another Hindu side lawyer, Subhash Nandan Chaturvedi, stated they would seek revision in the district or High Court. He emphasized that while most areas have been surveyed, some remain inaccessible to machines, necessitating an additional survey. Chaturvedi remains optimistic about succeeding in future legal proceedings.
The case, Lord Visheshwar vs Anjuman Intezamiya Masjid Committee, has been ongoing since 1991. It involves the Hindu side’s request to build a temple and secure worship rights within the Gyanvapi premises. The case has been pending for 33 years, with the Muslim side recently concluding their arguments.
Doubts Revealed
ASI -: ASI stands for Archaeological Survey of India. It is a government agency responsible for archaeological research and the conservation of cultural monuments in India.
Gyanvapi Mosque -: The Gyanvapi Mosque is a mosque located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is a site of historical and religious significance, and there is a dispute over its land between Hindu and Muslim communities.
Shivling -: A Shivling is a symbolic representation of Lord Shiva, a major deity in Hinduism. It is often found in temples and is worshipped by Hindus.
Varanasi Fast Track Court -: A Fast Track Court is a special court in India that aims to quickly resolve cases. The Varanasi Fast Track Court is located in Varanasi, a city in Uttar Pradesh, India.
High Court -: The High Court is a higher level of court in India that deals with appeals and important legal matters. Each state in India has its own High Court.
1991 -: The year 1991 is when the legal case regarding the Gyanvapi Mosque and the Hindu side’s claims began. It has been ongoing for many years.