Hindu and Muslim groups have been locked in a legal battle since 1991 over the claim of legal ownership of the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.However, the trial in the case has accelerated only in 2019 after a long period of stay by the Allahabad High Court. As per the Bar Bench Report, the Varanasi court allowed Hindus to worship in the southern basement of the Gyanvapi mosque in a partial verdict today.
Varanasi Court permits Hindu parties to offer prayers, puja in southern cellar of Gyanvapi Mosque
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Hindu parties claim that in the 17th century, Mughal emperor Aurangzeb demolished the temple and built the mosque. The mosque is adjacent to the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Hindu side claims that Aurangzeb partially demolished the temple and built the mosque, five Hindu women demanded the right to worship in the mosque premises two years ago.
After this decision of the court, there is a strong possibility that Hindu nationalist groups like VHP and RSS will soon demand the acquisition of other mosques and minority religious places as well. The present government has given direct support to these Hindu groups.
Read more in Urdu: Is Gyanvapi on the path of Babri?
Despite the legal protection given to the religious structures under Places of Worship Act,1991built which prohibits any change in the religious character of a place of worship as of August 15,1947, the courts are making an open mockery of the law by hearing this case. This case is again providing proof that India is no longer a de facto secular democratic country.
Furthermore, the Gyan Vapi case is a classic example of India’s institutional decline, especially the judiciary, which has failed miserably in upholding the rule of law, protecting the rights of minorities and preventing communal violence. In fact, the judiciary is directly responsible for bringing all these matters to such an extent. Like the Babri Masjid, the Gyanvapi Mosque is also likely to be given in favor of the Hindu parties .
