Today, On 13th September, The plea seeking permission to repair the Vyas Ji Ka Tehkhana in the Gyanvapi complex has been rejected. The court dismissed the request, citing insufficient grounds for the proposed repairs. This decision comes amidst ongoing legal disputes surrounding the complex.
Varanasi: A Varanasi court dismissed a petition filed by the Hindu side seeking an order for the local district magistrate to repair the basement of Vyas Ji, located within the Gyanvapi mosque complex. The district magistrate serves as the local custodian of the site.
On Thursday, Civil Judge Senior Division Hitesh Agarwal upheld the ongoing worship activities in the basement, considering objections raised by the Muslim side and an ongoing challenge before the Supreme Court.
Madan Mohan Yadav, the advocate representing the Hindu side, stated,
“The court’s ruling was influenced by the Muslim side’s opposition to the repairs in Vyas Ji ka tehkhana and the ongoing Supreme Court proceedings.”
Despite the ruling, Yadav mentioned that the Hindu side intends to appeal to the district judge’s court to seek permission for the repairs.
Yadav stated,
“Worship in Vyas Ji’s basement resumed on January 31 after the court’s order, allowing devotees to view the idols installed there.”
However, the Hindu side raised concerns about the safety of the basement, citing its aging and weakened roof.
They requested the court’s intervention to allow repair work, arguing that “the roof and pillars need to be repaired” as the presence of Muslim worshippers walking on the roof could increase the risk of collapse.
The Gyanvapi mosque complex, located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, has long been at the center of a legal and religious dispute between Hindu and Muslim communities. The Gyanvapi mosque is adjacent to the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple, a site of immense religious significance for Hindus.
The controversy surrounding the Gyanvapi mosque stems from claims by the Hindu community that the mosque was built on the ruins of a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which allegedly demolished during the Mughal era. As a result, the site has been the subject of a protracted legal battle, with both communities asserting their rights over different parts of the complex.
In recent years, the Gyanvapi mosque has been the focus of various court cases, petitions, and demands for surveys of the premises to ascertain the existence of Hindu religious symbols and structures within the mosque. The most prominent issue in the case revolves around claims by the Hindu side that relics of the original temple, including the iconic “Shivling,” can be found within the mosque, fuelling their demand for access and worship rights to the site.
The case currently being examined by the Supreme Court, which placed certain restrictions on activities at the complex while the matter is under litigation.
One specific area of dispute in the broader Gyanvapi mosque complex controversy is the “Vyas Ji Ka Tehkhana,” a basement area within the mosque. The Hindu side asserts that the basement is of religious significance, and they have been seeking access to it for worship.
In January 2024, following a court ruling, worship in the basement resumed, allowing devotees to view idols installed there. However, the Hindu community expressed concerns about the deteriorating condition of the basement, particularly the roof and supporting pillars. They argued that the roof is old and weakened, and there is a potential risk of collapse, especially with Muslim worshippers walking on it during their religious activities.
Fearing that the structure’s poor condition could lead to an accident, the Hindu petitioners approached the court to request permission for essential repair work in the basement. The petition specifically asked for repairs to the roof and pillars to ensure the safety of the devotees and the structural integrity of the building.
By rejecting the repair plea, the court appears to be exercising caution, mindful of the ongoing proceedings in the Supreme Court and the potential for escalating tensions between the two communities. However, the Hindu side’s plan to appeal suggests that the dispute over the Gyanvapi complex, and specifically the Vyas Ji Ka Tehkhana, is far from resolved.
The ruling also highlights the legal intricacies involved in the case, as different courts, including the Varanasi Civil Court and the Supreme Court, continue to navigate competing claims and interests over the Gyanvapi mosque complex. Given the site’s religious and historical significance, the outcome of these legal battles will have long-lasting implications for both communities involved.