Allahabad High Court Denies Interim Stay on Varanasi Court’s Decision Allowing Hindu Prayers in Gyanvapi Mosque Cellar Amidst Ongoing Dispute
Subtitle: Supreme Court Declines to Interfere, Grants Time for Amendment in Muslim Party’s Plea (Allahabad High Court Denies Interim Stay)
Date: [02/02/2024]
In the midst of the heated dispute over the religious identity of the property housing the Gyanvapi mosque, the Allahabad High Court has refused to grant an interim stay on a district court order issued on January 31. The district court’s decision allowed Hindu parties to perform prayers in a cellar within the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi.
The Allahabad High Court, in a hearing on Friday, declined to intervene and instead granted time until February 6 for the Muslim party, challenging the district court’s decision, to amend its pleadings. The court noted that the Muslim party had already filed a writ petition before the Jharkhand High Court, which is currently pending, and instructed them to include a challenge to a January 17 order. Once this amendment is done, the matter will be heard further.
Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government, represented by its Advocate General, was directed to ensure the maintenance of law and order in the Gyanvapi area by the District Magistrate, following a joint request from the parties.