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Gyanvapi mosque: Setback for Muslim side as Allahabad high court refuses to stay Varanasi court's ‘puja’ order
Allahabad high court asks Muslim side to amend plea, declines interim stay on Varanasi court order allowing Hindu prayers in Gyanvapi mosque cellar
The Allahabad high court on Friday declined an interim stay on the Varanasi court order allowing Hindu prayers in the Gyanvapi mosque cellar, known as Vyas Tehkhana, asking the Muslim side to amend its plea.
The Allahabad high court granted time till February 6 for the Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Committee (AIMC), which challenged the district court order, of Gyanvapi mosque to amend its pleadings to include a challenge to a January 17 order consequent to which the January 31 order was passed, Bar and Bench reported. The matter will be heard next once this is done.
Justice Rohit Ranjan Agrawal passed the order while hearing an appeal filed by the committee, which looks after the affairs of the mosque.
The panel had moved the high court within hours of the Supreme Court refusing to hear their plea against the Varanasi district court's order and asking them to approach the high court. The Varanasi court had ruled on Wednesday that a priest can perform prayers before the idols in the southern cellar of the Gyanvapi mosque.
Bandh in Varanasi areas over court order
Shops and parts of Muslim-dominated areas remained closed and the police sounded an alert in the entire Varanasi district ahead of Friday namaz, following the district court order.
A high alert has been sounded in Varanasi district on the first Friday namaz after the district court's order.
The Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee, which looks after the affairs of the Gyanvapi mosque, had called for a bandh on Friday in the town. The effect of the bandh was visible in the Muslim-dominated market areas in Dalmandi, Nai Sadak, Nadesar and Ardal bazar areas of the town, news agency PTI reported.
In a letter issued by the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee, it appealed for the closure of the markets and asked people to offer namaz peacefully. It advised Muslim women to remain in their houses.
Additional police force mobilised
Police commissioner Ashok Mutha Jain held a meeting with police officials late last night on the security arrangements. Additional police force has been mobilised from the neighbouring districts to maintain peace during the day. Additional security forces have been deployed near Kashi Vishwanath Dham and nearby areas, PTI added.
The Rapid Police Force (RPF) has been placed in the sensitive areas. People have arrived at the Gyanvapi mosque complex for the namaz.
(With inputs from agencies)
