Gyanvapi Mosque case: Court reserves order on deciding procedure till Tuesday

The court has to decide whether hearing in the case could be done or not.

District Judge Ajay Kumar Vishvesha reserved his order, after hearing the arguments of the Counsel of Anjuman Masjid Committee.

The hearing continued only for 45 minutes. Arguments were made on whether the case could be heard in the light of Place of Worship (Special Provisions) Act 1991.

The Counsel of Intezamia Committee emphasised that under Rule 11 of the Civil Procedure Order 7 hearing should not be held in the case. Its counsel argued that the court should hear on this issue first.

On the other hand, the plaintiff argued that the court should first hear the points related to the survey report of the Gyanvapi mosque complex and the objections received on it.

Their counsel argued that Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 was not applicable in this case.

As per the provisions of the Act, the nature of a religious place will be preserved, as it was on August 15, 1947.

On May 20, the Supreme Court transferred the case related to plea for worship at Gyanvapi mosque for consideration by the District Judge in Varanasi, saying in a view of complexity of matters, a senior and experienced judicial officer of the Uttar Pradesh Higher Judicial Service should examine it.

The apex court said the District Judge should examine the maintainability of suit on priority as sought by the Committee of Management Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Varanasi.

It said that unless due arrangements have been made for wazoo, the District Magistrate must consult the parties and make appropriate arrangements.
It said the interim order passed on May 17 regarding security of Shivling shall continue in operation.

(With UNI inputs)