Asaduddin Owaisi, President of All India Majilis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), has condemned the recent ruling by the Varanasi court, as “a violation of the Places of Worship Act”. The recent verdict has ruled in favor of the Hindu community, allowing devotees to offer prayer at the ‘Vyas ka Tekhana’ in the Gyanvapi Mosque.
“The judge who gave the decision was his last day before retirement. The judge appointed the District Magistrate as receiver on January 17 and finally he has directly given the verdict. He himself said that no prayers were offered since 1993. It has been 30 years. How does he know there is idol inside? This is violation of Places of Worship Act,” stated Asaduddin Owaisi.
On Wednesday, January 31, the court urged administrators to restore the cellar and make it available for “Puja” within the next seven days.
Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, told ANI, “Puja will start within seven days. Everyone will have the right to perform Puja. Hindu side is allowed to offer prayers at ‘Vyas Ka Tehkhana’. The District Administration will have to make arrangements within 7 days.”
The basement of the mosque houses four cellars (tehkhanas), including the ‘Vyas ka Tehkhana’, which belongs to the Vyas family. As a hereditary ‘pujari’, Vyas had filed a petition seeking permission to enter the cellar and resume ‘pooja’.
Asaduddin Owaisi Slams Decision Of Resuming Puja Within 7 Days
The AIMIM Chief further stated, “He has ordered to open the grills within 7 days. 30 days should have been given to make an appeal. This is wrong decision. Till the time Modi government does not state that they stand by the Places of Worship Act this will go on. During Babri Masjid title suit judgement, I had raised this apprehension. Places of Worship Act was made a part of the basic structure of the Supreme Court decision, then why are the lower courts not following the order?”
Asaduddin Owaisi also revealed the decision of the committee in charge of the Gyanvapi Mosque, the Intezamia Masjid Committee, to appeal against the verdict in the Allahabad High Court. As per Mint, Muslim side lawyer Akhlaq Ahmed has also affirmed this saying, “We will approach the Allahabad High Court against the decision. The order has overlooked the Advocate Commissioner report of 2022, ASI’s report, and the decision of 1937, which was in our favour. Hindu side has not placed any evidence that prayers were held before 1993. There is no such idol in the place.”
Advocate Merajuddin Siddiqui, another lawyer representing the Muslim side further stated, “I will not accept any such order. The District Magistrate and the District President are both working hand in glove. We will fight it legally. This is happening to get political advantage. The same approach is being adopted, which was done in the Babri Masjid case. Commissioner’s report and ASI’s report earlier said that nothing was inside. We are very unhappy with the decision.”
Hindu Side Lauds The Judgement
Meanwhile, the Hindu side is extremely pleased with the verdict which was ruled on the basis of the latest ASI findings.
Advocate Sohan Lal Arya said, “We are feeling very proud today. The court’s decision yesterday was unprecedented…”
The scientific investigation carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was done in accordance with the directions issued by Varanasi district judge Ajay Krishna Vishvesha last year.
As per Biz Iconic, the ‘ground penetrating radar’ (GPR) survey spanning 2150.5 sq meter revealed the existence of a Hindu temple prior to the construction of the mosque in the 17th century.
The 839-page report also stated how various parts from the pre-existing temple including pillars, pilasters, parts of the central and western chamber continue to be a part of the existing mosque.
