SC issues notice to Muslim party in Gyanvapi case

Hindu party demands transfer of all 15 cases to High Court

Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) – In a pivotal development, the Supreme Court on Friday issued a notice to the Muslim parties involved in the Gyanvapi mosque case, seeking their response to a petition filed by the Hindu side requesting an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) investigation of the Shivalinga discovered within the mosque complex. The court has granted the Muslim side two weeks to file their reply.

The matter was heard by a bench comprising Justices Suryakant and Ujjal Bhuiyan. The Hindu petitioners also urged the apex court to transfer all 15 cases currently being heard in various lower courts in Varanasi to the Allahabad High Court.

During the hearing, the counsel for the Hindu side highlighted the procedural complexities arising from multiple cases being adjudicated by different courts. “Some petitions are before the District Judge, while others are in front of the Civil Judge. This has led to conflicting orders on the same matter. We request that all related petitions be consolidated and heard by a three-judge bench in the Allahabad High Court,” the lawyer argued.

Survey has not been done yet in 8 of the 12 basements of Gyanvapi – Advocate Madan Mohan Yadav

Hindu Party Advocate Madan Mohan Yadav

Hindu Party Advocate Madan Mohan Yadav said that this matter has been taken to the Supreme Court by the Hindus. The Archaeological Department has not yet surveyed the Shivalinga at the Vajukhana (a place for washing hands and feet before prayers). This will make it clear whether it is a Shivalinga or a fountain ? The Muslim Party claims that it is a fountain. The Archaeological Department has not yet surveyed 8 of the 12 basements of Gyanvapi. Along with this, the Jyotirlinga under the main dome has not been surveyed.

Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain said that we had claimed on 16th May, 2022 that a Shivalinga has been found in the so-called Vajukhana; however, the Muslim Party denied it and said that it is a fountain. Keeping this in mind, we had demanded a survey from the Archaeological Department. In this case, we have now issued a notice to the Muslim Party.