Gyanvapi Mosque Case: Court Verdict Likely Today, Sec 144 In Varanasi

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Varanasi: A district court in Varanasi is likely to pronounce its verdict on Monday in the Gyanvapi mosque case.

District judge A K Vishvesha is likely to pronounce orders on whether a case filed by five Hindu women seeking the right to worship inside the Gyanvapi mosque, located next to the Kashi Viswanath temple, is “maintainable” or not.

Security has been tightened and prohibitory orders under Section 144 imposed in Varanasi.

After the petition was filed by the five Hindu women seeking permission to worship the Shringar Gauri Sthal within the Kashi Vishwanath-Gyanvapi Masjid complex, a local court in Varanasi ordered a videography survey of the complex in May. The survey was completed on May 16 and the report presented to the court on May 19.

After the videography, claims were made that a structure resembling a Shivling was found in the mosque complex. The masjid committee contested the claim, saying it was a fountain and not a Shivling.

The Supreme Court on May 20 transferred the case from a civil judge (senior division) to a district judge. The bench also said no restriction should be imposed on Muslims entering the mosque to offer namaz or religious observances.