Hearing the petition related to the order of the Trial Judge (Varanasi) to seal the place where Shivling was found, the Supreme Court of India in its order has observed that “the District Magistrate, Varanasi shall ensure that the area where the Shivling is stated to have been found shall be duly protected”.
The bench comprising Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha further observed that “the above direction shall not in any manner restrain or impede the access of Muslims to the mosque or the use of the Mosque for the purpose of performing Namaz and religious observances”.
Order: The ambit of the order date May 16, 2022 shall stand restricted to the extend that the DM Varanasi shall ensure that the area where the Shivling is reported to have been found shall be duly protected.
— LawBeat (@LawBeatInd) May 17, 2022
Five Hindu Women
It is pertinent to mention that earlier a petition was filed in the local court of Varanasi by five Hindu women asking the court to allow for year-long access to pray at a Hindu shrine behind the western wall of the Gyanvapi Mosque complex in Varanasi. Currently, the site is opened once a year for the Hindus.
Following this, the local court had ordered the administration to submit a report by May 10. But due to the non-cooperation & obstruction from the Muslim party, the survey could not be completed. However, after the intervention of the court, the survey was allowed.
Varanasi Court Orders Continuation Of Survey Of Gyanvapi Mosque Premises, Court Commissioner Not To Be Removed @ISparshUpadhyay https://t.co/vrG052YOTQ
— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) May 12, 2022
Read More: Gyanvapi Masjid Row: All lies exposed!
Shivling in Masjid Complex
Moreover, on May 16, 2022, the survey commission informed the court that “Today on 16/05/2022, s Dhivlinga is found in Masjid Complex at the place where Waju Khana is there..” and prayed the court to direct the CRPF Commandant to seal the Waju Khana with proper force.
Concerning the matter, the local court order was passed ex-parte that “the DM, Varanasi is directed that the place where Shiva Linga has been found should be sealed with immediate effect and entry of any person should be prohibited in the sealed area”. Further, the court added that “with regards to the place being sealed the responsibility of supervision of what is being done by the administration shall be upon the Director-General of Police, Uttar Pradesh”.
Read More: After Gyanvapi Masjid, it’s time for the truth behind Shahi Idgah Masjid to come out
Following this, the Committee of Management Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Varanasi filed an appeal in the Supreme Court of India against the order of the Varanasi trial court. Concerning the appeal the Supreme Court observed on 17/05/2022 that “in order to obviate any dispute on the meaning and content of the order of the Trial Judge, the operation and ambit of the order dated 16 May 2022 shall stand restricted to the extent that the DM, Varanasi shall ensure that the area where the Shivling is stated to have been found, as indicated in the order, shall be duly protected”.
