31 Jan 2024 10:29 AM GMT
Today, the Varanasi District Judge directed the District Administration to make appropriate arrangements with 7 days for Hindus to conduct worshipping rituals inside one of the sealed cellars/basement/tahkhana (vyas ji ka tehkhana) inside the existing Gyanvapi mosque complex. Worship at this spot was stopped in the year 1993.
The matter relates to 'Somnath Vyas' tehkhana inside Gyanvapi Mosque premises. Until 1993, the Vyas family conducted religious ceremonies in the basement. However, in compliance with a directive from the state government, the religious practices were discontinued.
It may be noted that the Varanasi District administration had taken over the possession of the southern cellar within the Gyanvapi mosque complex on January 24. On January 17, the District Judge made the DM a receiver.
The operative part of the order reads thus:
"District Magistrate, Varanasi / receiver is directed to get puja, raga-blog performed of the idols located inside that the basement situated on the south side of the building which is the suit property, by the priest named by the Kashi Vishwanath Trust Board and the plaintiff. For this purpose, make proper arrangements of iron fencing etc. within 7 days"