Gyanvapi Case Varanasi: Verdict likely today, Sec 144 imposed

Varanasi district court will pronounce the verdict in the Shringar Gauri-Gyanvapi case today.

District Judge AK Vishvesh had last month reserved the order till September 12 in the matter.

Tight security
Security has been tightened and prohibitory orders (Section 144) have been imposed in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi on Sunday a day ahead of the district court order.

The police have deployed forces in areas where a mixed population resides in the city and patrolling is ongoing to ensure no law and order situation arises.

Petition filed by Hindu women
The decision relates to the maintainability of Hindu women's plea seeking permission to worship Hindu deities in the Gyanvapi Mosque complex.

Videography report submitted
A local Varanasi court ordered a videography survey of the complex in May. The survey work was completed on May 16 and the report was presented in the court on May 19.

Shivling found: Hindu side
After the videography survey claims were made by the Hindu side that a structure, resembling a Shivling was found in the mosque complex. The Masjid committee contested that it was a fountain and not a Shivling.

The Supreme Court on May 20 transferred the case from a civil judge (senior division) to a district judge, saying considering the "complexities and sensitivity" of the issue, it is better if a senior judicial officer having an experience of over 25-30 years handles this case.

No restrictions on Muslims entering structure
The bench also said that no manner of restriction should be imposed on Muslims entering the mosque to offer namaz or religious observances. It had ordered that its interim order passed on May 17 -- to protect the area where the Shivling was found and access to Muslims for namaz -- shall continue in operation till maintainability of the suit is decided and thereafter for eight weeks to enable parties to pursue legal remedies.

(With ANI inputs)