Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh): Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, who is representing the Hindu side expressed his satisfaction with the court decision that allows Hindu devotees to offer prayers in the 'Vyas Ka Tekhana' area of the Gyanvapi mosque complex. Jain emphasized that there was no evidence of any government order previously forbidding Hindu worshipers from participating in prayers within the Gyanvapi mosque complex.
The ruling delivered by the Varanasi court on Wednesday is seen as a moment, similar to the historic order issued by District Judge KM Pandey on February 1 1986 which led to the opening of locks at Ram Mandir. Jain drew comparisons between these two rulings. Stressed how important it is for the court to rectify what he believes was an abuse of power by a state government hindering Hindu devotees from offering prayers.
During an interview with ANI Jain confidently stated that once arrangements are made Hindu devotees will commence their prayers. He mentioned that Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust does not require any order to make these arrangements and assured that all necessary legal work has been completed. It now lies within the Trusts responsibility to initiate prayer services within seven days.
Jain also pointed out that there has been no written order previously prohibiting prayers and currently there is no documentation, from any government explaining why prayers were halted.
Jain confidently expressed his belief in winning the case and proposed that conducting a survey on Wuzu Khana would be the next step followed by a hearing in the Supreme Court.
Advocate Subhash Nandan Chaturvedi, another lawyer representing the Hindu side ANI that "Today we have been granted the right to perform puja (prayers) at 'Vyas Ka Tekhana' and the court has ordered the district officer to ensure compliance within a week."
Petitioners and advocates representing the Hindu side celebrated joyfully upon receiving the courts order expressing their victory through gestures. The court instructed the district administration to make all arrangements within seven days to facilitate these prayers.
Sudhir Tripathi, counsel for the Hindu side shared with conviction that "Today the court has ordered arrangements to be made and allowed puja Vyas Ji Ka Tekhana). The puja can commence on any day within the seven days."
The Gyanvapi mosque complex consists of four cellars known as 'tahkhanas in its basement. One of these cellars remains under possession of the Vyas family. Until 1993 this family conducted worship activities in this basement until it was halted by orders, from then state government. On January 17th 'Vyas Ka Tekhana' was taken over by district administration.
The family of Somnath Vyas, who previously resided in that place had submitted a request to resume rituals in the basement as their traditional duty, as pujaris.
—Input from Agencies