The Allahabad High Court on Friday refused an interim stay on the Varanasi court's order permitting Hindu prayers in the Gyanvapi mosque cellar, named Vyas Tehkhana. The court, however, instructed the Muslim side to amend its plea, providing time until February 6.
The Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Committee (AIMC), challenging the district court's ruling, is directed to incorporate a challenge to the January 17 order, a precursor to the January 31 order.
The decision came after the Supreme Court directed the AIMC to approach the high court, leading to the high court's hearing of the appeal. The matter will be further heard once the amendments are made.
Justice Rohit Ranjan Agrawal presided over the hearing of the AIMC's appeal, and urged them to include challenges to the relevant orders.
Notably, the Varanasi court's ruling on Wednesday permitted a Hindu priest nominated by the Kashi Vishwanath temple trust to perform prayers in the southern cellar of the Gyanvapi mosque.
Shops and Muslim-dominated areas on Friday observed closures in response to the district court's order, leading to heightened security in Varanasi.
An alert was sounded across the district ahead of Friday namaz, marking the first gathering after the court's decision. The AIMC, overseeing mosque affairs, declared a bandh in the town, affecting market areas in Dalmandi, Nai Sadak, Nadesar, and Ardal Bazar.
The Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee issued a letter, urging market closures and peaceful namaz observance, advising Muslim women to stay home. Police
The Rapid Police Force (RPF) was stationed in sensitive zones as people gathered at the Gyanvapi mosque complex for namaz.
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