Gyanvapi Masjid Committee Challenges Varanasi Court's Order Allowing Hindu Puja; High-Stakes Legal Battle Unfolds

Controversy Erupts as Hindus Perform Puja in 'Vyas Tehkana' After 31 Years, Muslim Side Takes Legal Action

In a dramatic turn of events, the Gyanvapi Masjid Committee has approached the Allahabad High Court, contesting the Varanasi district court's order permitting Hindus to conduct puja in the 'Vyas Tehkana' or southern cellar of the Gyanvapi structure, as reported by Livelaw. The move comes swiftly after the midnight execution of the court's decision, marking the first prayers within the cellar in over three decades.

Key Developments:

1. Legal Challenge in Progress: Lawyers representing the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee wasted no time and moved the Supreme Court on Thursday, urgently seeking a hearing. The Supreme Court registrar directed them to approach the high court for redressal.

2. Muslim Side Alleges Unseemly Haste: The Muslim side strongly criticized the administration's alleged hasty opening of the 'Vyas Tehkana' in the dead of the night. They argued that the trial court had already provided a week for necessary arrangements, suggesting collusion to prevent the Mosque Managing Committee from pursuing legal remedies.

3. Varanasi Court's Historic Ruling: The Varanasi district court's Wednesday decision allowing Hindu devotees to offer prayers inside the 'Vyas Ka Tekhana' area within the Gyanvapi mosque complex marked a historical judgment.

4. Administrative Directives: The court directed the district administration to make necessary arrangements within the next seven days, paving the way for the commencement of Hindu prayers.

5. Midnight Puja After 31 Years: In a significant development, the 'Vyas Tahkhana,' sealed for 31 years, witnessed prayers after the midnight court order. The cellar, one of the four in the mosque, reportedly belonged to the Vyas family.

6. Aarti of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh: After the cellar's cleaning, locals reported the performance of an 'aarti' dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh, marking the resumption of religious activities in the contested area.

As the legal battle intensifies, the clash between religious sentiments and legal nuances takes center stage, further complicating the already contentious Gyanvapi mosque dispute.