The Varanasi Court on Thursday adjourned the hearing of the Anjuman Intezemia Masjid Committee’s plea seeking rejection of the Hindu petitioners’ suit in the Gyanvapi-Shringar Gauri complex case till Monday. While presenting its arguments before the court, the Masjid committee pointed out that the rumour of a ‘Shivling’ found inside the mosque has created public disturbance. The Masjid committee further argued that “existence of Shivling is only alleged and not yet proven”. Citing several provisions of the Places of Worship Act, 1991, the Muslim side argued, “There is no right of the parties (plaintiff) to claim the title of the mosque”.
What is the Places of Worship Act, the decades-old law at the centre of the Gyanvapi Mosque case?
The court of District Judge A K Vishevesh gave a week’s time to both Hindu and Muslim sides to file objections to the report of a court-mandated videography survey of the Gyanvapi mosque premises.
Today, Muslim side just read out paragraphs from our petition & tried to say that the petition isn't maintainable. We interjected & pointed out to the court that we've specific rights & all pleadings were made: Adv Vishnu Jain, Hindu side's lawyer in Gyanvapi mosque survey matter
Muslim side started their arguments today. The arguments could not be completed today. So, the arguments would continue at 2 pm on Monday: Advocate Vishnu Jain, Hindu side's lawyer in Gyanvapi mosque survey matter.
"This suit by the Hindu party is utterly non-maintainable and should be rejected under Order 7 Rule 11 of the CPC," the Masjid committee argued.
A Varanasi court on Wednesday transferred to the fast-track court two fresh petitions filed in the Gyanvapi Mosque case. While one has sought permission for Hindus to worship the “Shivling” purportedly found in the mosque complex, the second demanded that Adi Vishveshwara be declared owner of Gyanvapi and that Hindus get right to pray. Hearing on both the petitions will be held on May 30.
The first petition, filed by the Vishwa Vedic Sanatan Sangh in the court of civil judge Ravi Kumar Diwakar on Tuesday, has also sought ban on entry of Muslims to the mosque complex.