The Gyanvapi-Kashi Vishwanath dispute in Varanasi is a complex blend of historical claims, religious sentiments, and legal debates. Centered on allegations of a demolished temple, the controversy gained renewed attention with Supreme Court interventions under the Places of Worship Act, 1991. Recent judgments highlight efforts to balance communal harmony, historical narratives, and constitutional values amid escalating litigation.
In 2024, India’s Supreme Court dealt with numerous landmark rulings, focusing on personal liberty, places of worship disputes, and electoral reforms. Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna emphasized efficiency, reforming case backlogs. Notable cases included prohibitions on religious site surveys, striking down electoral bonds, and addressing environmental pollution. The court’s decisions significantly influenced legal frameworks and societal issues.
The Supreme Court is reviewing a plea to transfer the Gyanvapi-Kashi Vishwanath dispute cases to the Allahabad High Court. This follows a January ruling allowing Hindu prayers in the Gyanvapi Mosque’s cellar. Legal debates center on historical claims, the influence of the Places of Worship Act, and concerns of conflicting judgments in ongoing cases.
The Hindu side in the Gyanvapi case urged a Varanasi court to approve an excavation at the complex, citing the Archaeological Survey of India’s expertise. They seek to verify claims of the **“Jyotirlinga”** beneath the central dome, while the Muslim side opposes the plea, raising concerns about damaging the mosque.
In the Gyanvapi case, the Hindu side, represented by Advocate Madan Mohan Yadav, called for a comprehensive ASI survey and excavation of the Gyanvapi complex, claiming previous surveys were incomplete. The Muslim side, opposing this, argued prior surveys suffice and raised concerns over structural damage. A court hearing is scheduled for October 16.
Today, On 4th September, a Varanasi court scheduled the next hearing for September 6 regarding the Gyanvapi case and ASI survey plea. The Hindu side claims the original location of the Jyotirlinga is beneath the mosque’s central dome. The court’s decision could set a precedent for future religious disputes. The Gyanvapi mosque was built on the remains of a Hindu temple. Hindu prayers in the mosque’s southern cellar are being led by a priest appointed by the Kashi Vishwanath temple trust. The Muslim side challenges the petitioner’s claims during the trial court proceedings.
The Supreme Court Today (1 March) has agreed to hear an appeal from the Gyanvapi Management Committee challenging an Allahabad High Court decision deeming lawsuits for the “restoration” of a temple, where a mosque currently stands in Varanasi, as maintainable. Both sides have filed petitions and the legal battle continues.
The Hindu party today has filed a petition to halt access to the terrace of ‘Vyas Ji Ka Tehkhana’ in the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi due to safety concerns. This comes after a recent ruling granting permission for Hindu rituals in the complex’s southern cellar, leading to ongoing legal and religious tensions.
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