Asia Press Agency

Tag: Hindu side

  • Advocate General’s Presence in Gyanvapi Case Hearing

    Advocate General’s Presence in Gyanvapi Case Hearing

    The presence of the advocate general during the Gyanvapi case hearing at the Allahabad High Court sparked controversy, with the Muslim side alleging collusion between the state government and Hindu parties involved in the case.

     

    Senior Advocate SFA Naqvi, representing the Muslim side, questioned the advocate general’s presence in the courtroom, pointing out that the state government was not a direct party in the case. Naqvi raised concerns about the advocate general’s role, particularly in light of assertions made by the Hindu side in the suit, which he deemed as baseless.

     

    Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal responded to Naqvi’s query by stating that the advocate general was merely assisting in the proceedings. However, Naqvi persisted, questioning the necessity of the advocate general’s presence if there was no direct involvement of the state government.

     

    This exchange led to a tense moment when Justice Agarwal questioned Naqvi if he was alleging against the court itself. Naqvi clarified that they had no grievances against the court but were merely seeking clarification on the advocate general’s role.

     

    The Gyanvapi case hearing has been adjourned to February 12 by the Allahabad High Court. The case revolves around a plea challenging a district court order permitting Hindu prayers in a cellar of the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi. The Anjuman Intezamia Masajid, which manages the mosque, filed the plea last week.

     

    During the proceedings, Naqvi objected to the district judge’s order and raised concerns about its expedited nature, particularly as it was issued on the retirement day of the judge. He argued that granting final relief at an early stage of the suit was irregular.

     

    On the other hand, Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, highlighted the timeline of the court orders, emphasizing that the order allowing prayers was issued after the appointment of a receiver and not on the judge’s retirement day.

     

    The Varanasi district court’s decision to permit Hindu prayers in the Gyanvapi mosque’s southern cellar has stirred controversy and legal debates, further intensifying the ongoing dispute over the site’s religious significance. The case continues to attract attention as it navigates through legal complexities and historical sensitivities.

  • Fragmented Idols Discovered in ASI Survey at Gyanvapi Complex

    Fragmented Idols Discovered in ASI Survey at Gyanvapi Complex

    During the ongoing survey conducted by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) at the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi, lawyer Sudhir Tripathi, representing the Hindu side, revealed that they have discovered remains of fragmented idols amidst the debris.

     

    The survey, which aimed to ascertain whether the 17th-century masjid was built over a pre-existing Hindu temple structure, has been the subject of attention and debate. The ASI team focused its efforts on the wuzu khana (ablution area) and the prayer space for Muslims. The survey resumed on Saturday, following a brief pause around noon to permit Muslims to pray in the mosque.

     

    During the survey, the ASI team documented the layout and captured images of structures within the Gyanvapi mosque complex. The survey’s primary objective is to provide a comprehensive report on its findings, and the ASI has been directed by the Varanasi court to submit the survey report by September 2.

     

    The Supreme Court declined to issue a stay on the Allahabad High Court’s order regarding the ASI survey of the Gyanvapi mosque. The Muslim side, however, expressed concerns that the survey might “reopen wounds of the past.” The apex court instructed the ASI team not to use any invasive methods during the survey.

     

    Lawyer Subhash Nandan Chaturvedi, representing the Hindu side, stated that the ASI team is conducting the survey in the central dome of the mosque complex, with imaging and mapping underway. The team has also entered the ‘tehkhana’ (basement), which is under the possession of the Vyas family.

     

    The masjid committee initially boycotted the survey but later agreed to cooperate following the Supreme Court’s decision. The Muslim side’s apprehension is that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) might manipulate the ASI report’s narrative and bring other issues like the Babri masjid to the fore.

     

    As the survey progresses, more discoveries may shed light on the historical and religious significance of the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi.