The Anjuman Intenzamia Masjid Committee, representing the management of the Gyanvapi Mosque, began its arguments on Thursday in District and Sessions court, Varanasi. It is challenging the maintainability of the Hindu plaintiffs’ suit under Order 7 Rule 11 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
Senior Advocates Abhay Nath Yadav and Mumtaz Ahmad, appearing for the Muslims’ side, argued that the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, barred the suit and it was not maintainable. They submitted before Judge A.K. Vishvesha that rumours were being spread about the existence of a “Shivling” inside the premises without it being proven. This was causing “public disturbance”.
