Allahabad HC allows plea seeking 'restoration' of temple at Gyanvapi site

The Allahabad High Court on Tuesday dismissed pleas challenging the maintainability of a 1991 civil suit pending before a Varanasi court seeking "restoration" of a temple at the site where the Gyanvapi mosque exists, while observing that the religious character of the disputed place can only be decided by the court.

Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal held that the suit filed before the district court is maintainable and not barred by The Places of Religious Worship Act, 1991.

The court said the dispute raised in the suit is of "vital national importance" as it affects two major communities of the country and directed the lower court to decide the suit expeditiously preferably within six months.

"No unnecessary adjournment shall be granted to any of the parties", it said.

"Interim order, if any, is vacated. ASI to submit its report before lower court. If required, the lower court may direct ASI for further survey," it said.