The Allahabad High Court informed of a threat against Judge Ravi Kumar Diwakar, who ordered the Gyanvapi Mosque survey. Judge Tripathi’s letter revealed that an investigation by the UP Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) uncovered a plot by Islamic fundamentalist groups to assassinate Judge Diwakar.
Lucknow: A District and Sessions Judge in Lucknow requested security measures for Additional District Judge Ravi Kumar Diwakar, who ordered a videographic survey of the Gyanvapi mosque premises in 2022.
The request made in a letter to the Registrar General of the Allahabad High Court.
Judge Vivekanand Sharan Tripathi of the NIA court highlighted an FIR lodged by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terror Squad (UP ATS) against Adnan Khan. The charges, filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), accuse Khan of threatening Judge Diwakar.
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Judge Diwakar’s 2022 order allowed a court-appointed commissioner to inspect, videograph, and collect evidence about the alleged presence of Hindu deities within the Gyanvapi Mosque, which is adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath temple.
Judge Tripathi’s letter further noted that the UP ATS investigation uncovered a conspiracy by Islamic fundamentalist groups operating an Instagram account to target Judge Diwakar.
The letter stated,
“Adnan posted a photo of the judge on his Instagram account with the caption, ‘THE KAFIRS BLOOD IS HALAL FOR YOU THOSE WHO FIGHT AGAINST YOUR DEEN,’ and labelled the judge as ‘KAFIR’ in red above his eyes. This post has been widely viewed and has incited those who share his ideology to harm the judge handling the Gyanvapi case. It has also hurt the religious sentiments of other communities, fostering animosity and hatred, and promoting anti-national activities,”
Judge Tripathi warned that inaction could lead to serious consequences.
The letter continued,
“The post is hurting the religious sentiments of people from different faiths, spreading animosity and hatred among communities, and encouraging anti-national behaviour. Adnan’s actions are creating distrust and treason on religious grounds against a democratic nation like India and its judiciary, a fundamental part of its constitutional system,”
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The controversy surrounding the Gyanvapi Mosque survey rooted in a complex historical context. Hindu petitioners claim that the mosque was built on the ruins of a Hindu temple destroyed in the 17th century. The Muslim community, however, maintains that the mosque is a historical and religious site in its own right, deserving of preservation and respect.
The Allahabad High Court’s disclosure serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the judiciary in India, especially in cases that touch upon deeply entrenched religious and cultural sentiments. As the nation watches the unfolding developments, the priority remains ensuring that justice is served impartially and without intimidation.
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