A Varanasi court commenced hearing on Thursday on the maintainability of the Gyanvapi-Shringar Gauri complex case. The masjid committee argued that the rumours about an alleged ‘Shivling’ found inside the mosque has caused public disturbance.
The plea was filed by the Muslim party challenging the maintainability of the suit filed by the Hindu parties seeking claim on the Gyanvapi complex.
Gyanvapi Hearing begins in Varanasi Court. @iSamarthS joins in with more details. #ITVideo #ITVideo #GyanvapiMasjid #GyanvapiHearing | @nabilajamal_ pic.twitter.com/R4PiNFVf1q
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The masjid committee raised concerns that the “existence of Shivling is only alleged and not yet proven.”
"Rumours are resulting in public disturbance which should not be allowed until its existence is proven," the masjid committee told the Varanasi court on Thursday.
Citing the Places of Worship Act, 1991, the Muslim party referred to the Supreme Court’s previous precedents.
“There is no right of the parties (plaintiff) to claim the title of the mosque,” Muslim side argued.
The hearing for Thursday has been concluded and will resume on May 30.
WHAT IS PLACES OF WORSHIP ACT?
The Places Of Worship Act, 1991, seeks to prohibit the conversion of a place of worship and maintain its religious character as was at the time of India’s Independence on August 15, 1947. Section 4 (1) of the Act states: “The religious character of a place of worship existing on the 15th day of August, 1947 shall continue to be the same as it existed on that day.”
The Act has been in force since July 11, 1991.