A Varanasi court has granted Hindu devotees permission to offer prayers inside the ‘Vyas Ka Tekhana’ area within the Gyanvapi mosque complex, marking a significant victory for the Hindu community.
Following a court order on January 17, the district magistrate assumed control of the designated area on January 24. The recent decision instructs the district administration to make necessary arrangements within the next seven days to facilitate the resumption of prayers in the ‘Vyas Ka Tekhana.’
Despite objections from the opposing party, Anjuman Intejamiya, which argued that the court order only addressed the appointment of a receiver and did not explicitly cover worship rights, the court upheld its original decision, allowing the Hindu side to proceed with prayers.
Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, expressed optimism about the outcome, stating, “…Puja will start within seven days. Everyone will have the right to perform Puja.” He emphasized that the court has granted permission for the Hindu side to offer prayers at ‘Vyas Ka Tekhana,’ with the district administration tasked to ensure arrangements are in place.
The Gyanvapi mosque complex comprises four ‘tahkhanas’ (cellars) in the basement. Notably, one of these cellars is still under the possession of the Vyas family, who historically resided in the area. The petition from Vyas, claiming hereditary rights as a priest, sought permission to enter the ‘tahkhana’ and resume pooja (worship).