“If the law of stick and buffalo prevails in the country, then not only does the stick change hands, but the buffalo as well.” – Warning by Maulana Mahmood Madani.
As tensions escalate over the GyanVapi Masjid verdict, Muslim leaders express nationwide concerns about the broader trend of unwarranted claims on places of worship. Urging swift action to address rising religious tensions, leaders call for attention to the Place of Worship Act 1991 and emphasize the need to safeguard the secular fabric of the nation.
New Delhi :- In a press statement issued today, prominent Muslim leaders voiced their profound regret and concern regarding the recent developments surrounding the GyanVapi Masjid in Varanasi. The leaders, representing various Muslim organizations, expressed dismay over the abrupt initiation of a puja in the mosque’s cellar, marked by the overnight breaking of iron grills and idols.
The statement highlighted the swift action taken despite the court granting a seven-day window for the administration to make necessary arrangements, raising questions about possible collusion between the administration and the plaintiff. This move seemingly aims to preempt any effort by the Mosque Managing Committee to challenge the District Court’s order.
The leaders expressed surprise and disappointment at the judgment rendered by the Varanasi District Judge, emphasizing what they perceive as a highly incorrect and unfounded argument. The decision revolves around the assertion that the family of Somnath Vyas worshipped in the GyanVapi Masjid’s basement until 1993, a claim contested by the leaders. They find the timing of the judgment, coinciding with the judge’s last day of service, and the unilateral disclosure of an archaeological survey report by the Hindu side to the press as highly questionable.
The Muslim leaders asserted that no pooja was ever conducted in the basement and criticized the district court for not affording the mosque party an opportunity to appeal, which they believe is their legal right. They also raised concerns about unwarranted claims on various places of worship across the country, urging attention to the Place of Worship Act 1991 by the Supreme Court.
Drawing attention to recent comments by Hon’ble Supreme Court Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave, the leaders expressed deep concern about the judiciary potentially becoming a “majoritarian judiciary.” They called for safeguarding minority communities and marginalized sections, emphasizing the need for justice to be unbiased.
In response to the situation, the leaders announced their intention to communicate these concerns to the President of India and the Chief Justice of India. They hope that these constitutional officials can address the perceived compromise in the dignity of the country, impartiality of the judicial system, and administrative affairs.
Signatories:
- Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, President, All India Muslim Personal Law Board
- Maulana Syed Arshad Madani, President, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind
- Maulana Asghar Ali Imam Mehdi, Ameer, Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadith Hind
- Maulana Syed Mahmood Asa’d Madani, President, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind
- Mr. Malik Mohtashim Khan, Naib Amir, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind
- Mr. Asaduddin Owaisi, MP, President, All India Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen
- Maulana Mufti Mukarram Ahmed, Shahi Imam, Fatehpuri Masjid
- Dr. S. Q. R. Ilyas, Spokesperson & Member of the Working Committee, All India Muslim Personal Law Board
- Mr. Kamal Farooqui, Member of the Working Committee, All India Muslim Personal Law Board
Watch //The Press Conference
Maulana Mahmood Madani.
