Varanasi: In the ongoing Gyanvapi-Kashi Vishwanath case, the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee, which oversees the Gyanvapi mosque, has approached the Varanasi court seeking an injunction to prevent media outlets from disseminating purportedly inaccurate information about the ongoing Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) examination of the Gyanvapi premises.
The application, filed within the framework of the Shringar Gauri Worshipping case of 2022, was initiated by four Hindu women worshippers advocating for continuous access to conduct worship activities at the Gyanvapi mosque throughout the year.
The mosque committee’s application contends that neither the ASI nor its officials have made any statements regarding the ongoing survey. However, they allege that various media channels have been sharing misinformation about the survey, leading to a misinformed public and potentially escalating tensions.
The heart of the issue lies in the scientific examination being conducted by the ASI at the Gyanvapi complex in Varanasi. This examination was ordered by a Varanasi District Judge on July 21, and its purpose is to address disputed claims surrounding an object discovered on the mosque premises. While some assert the object to be a sacred Shivlinga, others contend that it is a fountain.
It’s important to note that the district court’s directive for the ASI survey excludes a specific area that had previously been sealed off by the Supreme Court. This order was upheld by the Allahabad High Court on August 3. The Supreme Court, considering the assurance provided by the ASI that no excavation or property damage would occur during the survey, declined to interfere with the High Court’s decision on August 4.
“The High Court was correct in our view to introduce some directions to circumscribe the order of the district judge. The ASI has clarified that there is neither excavation nor there would be destruction of property,” the Supreme Court remarked.
The Gyanvapi-Kashi Vishwanath case has garnered significant attention due to its implications for both religious and legal matters. The call to restrain media from sharing potentially misleading information is emblematic of the wider concerns regarding the potential for misinformation to exacerbate tensions and conflicts.
As this complex case continues to unfold, it remains crucial for all stakeholders, including the media, to ensure accuracy and responsible reporting in order to foster a well-informed public discourse.
For the most up-to-date information on this matter, concerned individuals are advised to follow reliable news sources and official statements from relevant authorities.
