Gyanvapi Case: Varanasi court upholds maintainability of Hindu side’s petition; next hearing on Sep 22

In a major jolt to the Anjuman Islamia Masjid Committee, the Varanasi District Court rejected the Muslim side’s petition challenging the Hindu worshippers' request for permission for daily worship of Hindu deities inside the Gyanvapi Mosque compound next to the Kashi Viswanath Temple. The next hearing of the case is on September 22.

A single bench of District Judge AK Vishvesh delivered the verdict and held the case as maintainable.

“The case of women plaintiffs seeking worshipping rights at Shringar Gauri and other deities in Gyanvapi mosque compound is maintainable,” ordered District Judge Ajay Krishna Vishvesh.

On the other hand, the Anjuman Intezamia Committee that represents the Muslim side said that it will move to the High Court against today’s ruling.

"Bharat is happy today, my Hindu brothers & sisters should light diyas to celebrate," said one of the petitioners, Manju Vyas.

In August last year, five Hindu women, seeking permission for daily worship at Maa Shringar Gauri Sthal, filed a suit in Varanasi’s civil judge court. The Sthal is located inside the Gyanvapi complex.

The Anjuman Islamia Masjid Committee (AIMC) filed a plea questioning the maintainability citing the Places of Worship Act, 1991. The act prohibits the conversion of places of worship and provides for the maintenance of their religious character as it existed on August 15, 1947.

Gyanvapi mosque ruling: Timeline of the case

August 2021: Five Hindu women, seeking permission for daily worship at Maa Shringar Gauri Sthal, filed a suit in Varanasi’s civil judge court (senior division). The Sthal is located inside the Gyanvapi complex.

April 2022: The court orders a survey of the Gyanvapi complex. The survey conductes under the supervision of an advocate commissioner, appointed by the court.

May 6, 2022: The survey starts before AIMC's advocates submit an application a day later stating that advocate commissioner Ajai Mishra is biased.

May 12: The court refuses to remove Ajai Mishra as advocate commissioner. Additionally, it appoints senior advocate Vishal Singh as special advocate commissioner. It also orders the survey team to submit the report by May 17.

May 14: After the court’s order, the survey resumes and continues till May 16.

May 19: The survey team submits its report to the court. The report includes photographs, documents etc.

May 20: Citing the complexities and sensitivity of the issue, the Supreme Court transfers the case to the Varanasi district judge. The Apex Court suggests it will be better if a senior judicial officer, with over 25-30 years of experience, handles the case.

May 26: The hearing starts on the maintainability of the Gyanvapi case.

August 24: After listening to the arguments of both sides, Varanasi district judge Ajay Krishna Vishvesha reserves his verdict till September 12.