The Supreme Court’s recent order regarding prayers at the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi has sparked reactions from various quarters, including All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi. The court refused to halt Hindu prayers in the southern cellar of the mosque while maintaining a “status quo” on religious observances by both Hindu and Muslim communities within the mosque precincts.
Owaisi expressed his views on the matter, reminding the court of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which upholds the religious character of places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947. He emphasized the Act’s role in preserving secularism and non-retrogression as fundamental principles of the Indian Constitution.
In response to the court’s decision, a bench led by Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud highlighted that both Muslim and Hindu religious practices have been carried out “unhindered” within the mosque. The bench deemed it appropriate to maintain the status quo, allowing both communities to continue their religious activities within the designated areas of the mosque.
The court noted that while Muslim prayers are offered without obstruction, Hindu prayers are confined to the tehkahna (cellar) of the mosque, with separate entry points for each community.
The decision has brought attention to the delicate balance between religious practices and legal considerations, especially concerning historical places of worship like the Gyanvapi mosque. It reflects ongoing discussions on religious rights, secularism, and the preservation of communal harmony in India.
Sources By Agencies
