Gyanvapi Complex Survey Begins Amidst Huge Crowd
Varanasi, May 6: A team of Uttar Pradesh court representatives along with Varanasi district administration team reached the Kashi Vishwanath-Gyanvapi complex for videography and photography of the Shringar Gauri Sthal and other places following directives of a lower court here.
Tension could be felt in the air as the videography team reached the Gyanvapi mosque site.
The mosque management had already warned of likely protests. Sources said the team led by advocate commissioner, petitioners and respondents in the case reached the complex at around 3 pm for the videography after the Friday namaaz.
Protest started outside the complex as soon as the team appeared on the scene. The videography-survey and inspection of the sthal by the team of lawyers appointed by the court was expected to turn sensitive as the Gyanvapi mosque management committee – Anjuman Intejamiya Masjid – has opposed the decision of the judicial body.
On April 26, Civil Judge (Senior Division) Ravi Kumar Diwakar while hearing a plea filed by five Delhi-based women ordered videography of the complex in the presence of representatives appointed by the court.
The petitioners sought direction for permission to worship at the Shringar Gauri Sthal and other idols located in the complex on a regular basis.
On the basis of the petition the judge had ordered videography of the complex. Worship at Shringar Gauri Sthal is allowed only once a year during Chaitra Navratras.
Sources said that the commission will submit its report in the court where the matter is listed for hearing on May 10. The mosque regulars have said videography should be restricted to the Kashi Vishwanath premises, and no “non-believer” should be allowed to enter the mosque.
As per court directives, the videography is scheduled for Friday and Saturday under the supervision of Advocate commissioner Ajai Kumar. The district administration has been for sometime reaching out to the Intejamiya committee, trying to convince them in view of volatile situation. The protests so far against the survey has been conducted in “peaceful manner”.
