1. The Court ordered that the Gyanvapi Mosque be filmed and its report be submitted
The controversy over the Kashi Vishweshwar Temple in Varanasi and the Gyanvapi Mosque in the area has moved from the Varanasi Court to the Supreme Court in the past 15 days. The Lower Court in Varanasi directed the Court Commissioner to prepare a report of the videography at the Gyanvapi Mosque. Later, as per the Court order, when the Commissioner started filming the area, he was strongly opposed by religious fanatics. Yet, further filming was done, which clearly showed that there is a Shivalinga in the water body.
In fact, the Commissioner’s report is not required to state this; because Nandi (Deity Shiva’s vehicle) is situated in front of the Gyanvapi Mosque. Therefore, it is well-known that where there is Nandi, a Shiva temple in front of it. The same report was given by the Commissioner of the Court.
Muslim parties went to the Supreme Court to oppose the report; however, the SC only referred the matter to the District Court and directed that the District Court give its judgement within a week considering all the sources presented by the religious fanatics. It also added that the Shivalinga should be protected and Muslims could offer prayers there till further notice.
2. Hindus demand demolition of Vaju Khana walls and a re-survey
Hindus insist that the Gyanvapi premises should be handed over to them. Hindus had already demanded this earlier; however, the Congress, which ruled the country for 60 years after Independence, had always silenced Hindus. Now, after the Court order, knowing that there is a Shivalinga, Hindus have demanded that they be allowed to worship there and the place be handed over to them.
Hindus have demanded the demolition of the Vaju Khana walls and a re-survey.
3. Intelligence agencies informed the Central Government that there is a conspiracy to create chaos in the country over the Gyanvapi Issue
A petition has been filed on behalf of Hindus seeking an order to worship and celebrate other festivals at the Gyanvapi. On the other hand, threats are being issued by the religious fanatics – “We will not allow another Babri”.
Against this backdrop, the intelligence agencies have reported to the Central Government that this Issue will cause chaos in the country. Large scale agitations will bring both the communities face-to-face, and hence, the law and order situation may worsen. Some political forces will take undue advantage of the situation. The Government should consider resolving this issue amicably.
4. Government should repeal ‘Places of Worship Act, 1991’ and hand over major Hindu temples to Hindus
What the Central Government decides is a separate issue, but religious fanatics have destroyed Hindu places of worship and expropriated them. Forty-four years after Independence, the Congress Government at the Centre passed ‘The Places of Worship Act, 1991’. The Government that has been elected on the votes of Hindus should consider this – How long will it be possible to silence Hindus under the guise of this Act ?
Therefore, the Government should first repeal the Act and hand over Hindu temples to them. It is also expected that the Government enact the Uniform Civil Code, the Population Control Bill and declare India a ‘Hindu Rashtra’ !
– H.H. (Advocate) Suresh Kulkarni (Founder Member, Hindu Vidhidnya Parishad and Advocate in Bombay High Court, 24.5.2022)