New Delhi: – The recent decision by a Varanasi District Judge to grant permission for Hindu worship in the basement of Gyanvapi Mosque has sparked concerns, drawing the attention of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board. The judge, on his last day of service, allowed a Hindu individual to conduct specific rituals, prompting the district magistrate to oversee the proceedings as directed by the court. This decision, deemed unacceptable by the Muslim community due to [specify grounds], is now poised for a legal challenge in the Allahabad High Court.
Dr. Syed Qasim Rasool Elias, spokesperson for the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, expressed profound dismay at the Varanasi District Judge’s ruling, labeling it as highly erroneous and lacking a solid foundation. He pointed out that the Gyanvapi Mosque’s basement was historically utilized for the worship of Lord Somnath Vyas until its closure in 1993, following the orders of the state government at that time. Despite the district administration taking possession on January 24, maintaining the status quo, the court surprisingly granted permission for worship in the basement.
The Muslim community finds this decision unacceptable and intends to challenge it in the Allahabad High Court. Dr. Elias lamented the regrettable decisions made by lower courts in piecing together the original case, seemingly favoring the Hindu community. He emphasized the need to clarify that worship never took place in the basement. The Mosque Management Committee is gearing up to challenge this decision in the Allahabad High Court.
Expressing further concern, Dr. Elias noted the unfortunate trend of lower courts making fragmented decisions, potentially strengthening the case for the Hindu community, reminiscent of the construction of a temple at the Babri Mosque site. He called upon the Supreme Court to instruct the government to rigorously enforce laws related to places of worship. Additionally, he urged lower courts not to accept any new petitions regarding mosques in light of existing laws, warning that the security of minority places of worship and overall peace in the country might be jeopardized.
Issued by: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Waqaruddin Latifi, Office Secretary
