Allahabad High Court dismisses petition by Anjuman Intezamiya Committee against appointment of Commissioner

Kashi Vishwanath Mandir-Gyanvapi mosque dispute

Varanasi (UP) – Allahabad High Court has dismissed a petition filed by Anjuman Intezamiya Committee in connection with the dispute between Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Gyanvapi mosque at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The petition was filed against the appointment of the Commissioner by the Court. The High Court’s Justice J J Munir has stated that ‘if the Commissioner was sent to the place of the incident for collecting evidence, it is not against the rights of the petitioner. Sending a judicial commission is not beyond the rights of the Court.’ The Court has earlier issued an order to appoint a Commissioner.  The Committee is opposed to his visiting and video-shooting the area of Gyanvapi mosque and Kashi Vishwanath Mandir.

This petition was filed at Allahabad High Court, challenging the decision of the Civil  Court Judge of sending a commissioner to the site. Rakhi Singh and 8 others have filed a case with Varanasi Civil Court on the right of performing puja of Shringar Gauri, Hanuman, Nandi, and Ganesh.

The Court refused to pass an interim order and issued summons to the opposing petitioners asking for their replies. On the other hand, Hindu Respondent Party has requested for inspection of the place of dispute and providing security during ‘darshan puja’. Hindu Respondent Party’s advocate demanded sending an Advocate Commissioner to the place of the dispute. The Court then appointed Ajay Kumar as the Advocate Commissioner and directed him to inspect the Idols of Shringar Gauri, Shri Ganesha, Deity Hanuman, and Nandi present within the mosque premises; prepare and submit a report on the matter.