Today, the Allahabad High Court rejected the plea from the Gyanvapi Mosque committee seeking a temporary halt to the performance of Puja in the southern cellar of the mosque, also known as Vyas Tehkhana. Nevertheless, the Court has instructed the state government to ensure the maintenance of law and order in the surrounding area.

On January 31st, Pooja rituals commenced inside the Tehkhana, following a directive from the Varanasi District Judge. The judge had instructed the District Magistrate to ensure the necessary arrangements for the Pooja within the area. Without delay, the District Magistrate promptly adhered to the order on the same day.

On Thursday, the Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Committee, responsible for the management of the Gyanvapi Mosque, filed an appeal contesting the decision of the Varanasi District Court. The court had previously granted permission for Hindus to conduct prayers in the southern cellar of the Gyanvapi Mosque, known as Vyas Ji ka Tehkhana. Additionally, the committee requested a halt to the ongoing worship rituals through their appeal.

During today's hearing, a bench led by Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal declined to provide any interim relief to the Mosque Committee. The bench emphasized that the committee had not contested the January 17th order of the Varanasi District Judge. In that order, the District Magistrate was appointed as a receiver in the matter.

The Court has extended the deadline for the Mosque Committee to amend its appeal until February 6. Meanwhile, the Court has instructed the Advocate General to ensure the maintenance of law and order in the area. This development follows a recent decision by the Supreme Court, where it declined to urgently hear the plea from the Mosque Committee challenging the order permitting puja in Vyas Ji ka Tehkhana, situated in the southern cellar of the Mosque, just two days prior.

On January 31, the Varanasi District Judge issued a directive to the District Administration. The order mandated the administration to make suitable arrangements within seven days, allowing Hindus to perform worship rituals inside one of the sealed cellars/basements, specifically Vyas Ji ka Tehkhana, within the existing Gyanvapi mosque complex. Worship at this location had been discontinued in the year 1993.

The issue revolves around the 'Somnath Vyas' Tehkhana situated within the Gyanvapi Mosque premises. Up until 1993, the Vyas family carried out religious ceremonies in the basement. Subsequently, following a directive from the state government, these religious practices were discontinued.