'Allow us to perform rituals at 'Shivling' found in Gyanvapi Mosque': Fresh plea in SC

Varanasi: A fresh plea has been filed in the Supreme Court on Friday seeking a direction to allow Hindus to perform religious rituals at the ‘Shivling’ found recently at the disputed Gyanvapi Mosque site, which is adjacent to the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi.

According to reports, the petition has been filed by Rajesh Mani Tripathi, president of the Shri Krishana Janma Bhumi Mukti Sthal, who argued that since the month of “Shravana” is starting, Hindus may be allowed to offer puja and exercise their right."

“The petitioner`s right to preach his own religious practices and rituals according to Hindu customs as provided under Article 25 of the Constitution of India and it is a fact that the month of Shravana is being celebrated to offer puja to Lord Shiva... and the petitioner came before the court seeking permission to practice his prayer in the month of Shravana, to offer puja, exercise the rights of "freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion" as guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution of India," the plea stated.

Furthermore, the plea said that the petitioner wishes to perform religious practices as guaranteed under the Constitution of India on the `Shivling` found during the survey conducted in pursuance to the order passed by the concerned Court of Varanasi.

The plea contended that though the said 'Shivling' has been protected by the order passed by the local court, there are restrictions on the bhakts, the devotees of Lord Shiva to offer puja and perform rituals there.

On May 20, the Supreme Court ordered the transfer of the case related to worship at Gyanvapi mosque from the civil judge to the District Judge, Varanasi. It had ordered that its interim order passed on May 17 - to protect the area where the Shivling was found and access to Muslims for namaz - shall continue in operation till maintainability of the suit is decided and thereafter for eight weeks to enable parties to pursue legal remedies.

It said that District Judge should decide the maintainability of the civil suit in the Gyanvapi-Kashi Vishwanath on priority as sought by Committee of Management Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Varanasi.

The appeal was filed by the Committee that manages the Gyanvapi mosque in the top court challenging an order of Allahabad High Court permitting a court-appointed commissioner to inspect, conduct a survey and videography of the Gyanvapi mosque to which Hindus and Muslims have laid claim for the right to worship. 

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