Allahabad High Court: In pleas filed by Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Committee challenging suits concerning Kashi Vishwanath-Gyanvapi Mosque dispute, Rohit Ranjan Agrawal, J. held that the civil suits filed by Hindu worshippers seeking the right to worship in the Gyanvapi mosque and the restoration of a temple at the disputed place are not barred by the Places of Worship Act 1991. Further, it directed the Trial Court to decide the matter expeditiously in 6 months.
The Court said that the Archaeological Survey of India (‘ASI’) conducted a survey in one suit and that should be filed in the other suits, and if the Trial Court feels that a survey of any part is necessary, it may direct ASI to conduct the survey.
The suits sought to restore an ancient temple currently occupied by the Gyanvapi mosque, alleging that the mosque is a part of the temple.
The Court noted that the primary contention of Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Committee, that manages the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and UP Sunni Central Waqf Board is that the suits are prohibited by the Places of Worship Act (Special Provisions) Act of 1991, that prohibits the conversion of a religious structure from its nature as it stood on the date of independence.
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Source: Press
