Kashi Vishwanath-Gyanvapi Mosque Case The controversy over Gyanvapi Masjid and Kashi Vishwanath Temple has once again made national headlines. On Friday, the Supreme Court took a big step in this matter and issued a notice to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Gyanvapi Masjid Management Committee. This notice has been issued on the petition of some Hindu petitioners demanding an ASI investigation of the ‘Vazukhana’ area of the mosque.
What is the matter?
The controversy came into focus when on 16 May 2022, Hindu petitioners claimed that a ‘Shivalinga’ had been found in the Vajukhana area of the Gyanvapi Mosque. However, the Anjuman Intejamia Masjid Committee rejected this claim and called it a fountain. After this the matter took a legal turn and now the Supreme Court has started considering the demand for investigation of this disputed area.
lawyers’ arguments
Hindu side’s lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain told the media that this case was listed in the Supreme Court under a limited interim application (IA). He said, “We have demanded an ASI inquiry into the sealed area so that the truth can come out. “The Supreme Court has issued a notice on this and directed Anjuman Intejamia to file its reply within two weeks.”
next steps
The Supreme Court has fixed the next hearing of the case on December 17, 2024. Till then Anjuman Intejamia and other concerned parties will have to file their reply. This issue has now become extremely sensitive from a legal and religious point of view, with both sides presenting their respective arguments.
Importance of ASI investigation
The role of ASI is considered very important in this matter. The main objective of ASI is to uncover the historical truth of the disputed site through archaeological investigation. If the claim of being a ‘Shivling’ is confirmed, it could have an impact not only on this case but also on the religious structure and politics of the entire country.
Political and social impact
The Gyanvapi case has rekindled religious controversies. This matter has become not only legal but also political. Many political parties are presenting this issue according to their own agenda. Hindu organizations claim that this site was part of the Kashi Vishwanath temple, which was demolished and converted into a mosque during the Mughal period. At the same time, the Muslim side says that this mosque has been their religious property for a long time.
layers of history
The history of Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Gyanvapi Mosque is centuries old. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is worshiped as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in Hinduism. On the other hand, Gyanvapi Mosque was built during the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. This controversy stems from this history and from time to time different claims have come forward regarding it.
opinion of local people
There are mixed reactions regarding this matter among the local residents of Varanasi. Some believe that the ASI investigation is the right step to resolve this dispute, while others consider it to hurt religious sentiments.
Supreme Court’s stance
Considering this matter as sensitive, the Supreme Court has issued notice to both the parties and has fixed the hearing of the case on December 17. This step of the Supreme Court is being considered an important initiative towards resolving the dispute.
