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In the Court of Civil Sr. Div. Judge Varanasi

Regular Civil Suit No. Of 2021 (Twenty Twenty One)

(1) Goddess Maa Shringar Gauri through next friend and devotee

Ranjana Agnihotri D/o. Late Rajendra Kant Agnihotri,

R/o.512/695, (Five Hundred Twelve / Six Hundred Ninety

Five) Balda Road, Nishatganj, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh-

226007 (Two Two Six Zero Zero Seven).

(2) Asthan Lord Adi Visheshwar, Jyotirlinga in the radius of 5

(Five) Kos (Krosh), situated in the City and District Varanasi

through next friend and devotee Jitender Singh “Vishen” S/o.

Sri Yaduraj Singh, R/o Gulab Singh Purwa, Veerpur Vishen,

Thesil & District-Gonda, Uttar Pradesh-271123 (Two Seven

One One Two Three).

(3) Ranjana Agnihotri (Advocate) D/o. Late Rajendra Kant

Agnihotri, R/o.512/695, (Five Hundred Twelve / Six

Hundred Ninety Five) Balda Road, Nishatganj, Lucknow,

Uttar Pradesh-226007 (Two Two Six Zero Zero Seven).

(4) Jitender Singh “Vishen” S/o. Sri Yaduraj Singh, R/o Gulab

Singh Purwa, Veerpur Vishen, Thesil & District- Gonda,

Uttar Pradesh-271123 (Two Seven One One Two Three).

(5) Ankur Sharma (Advocate) S/o Chander Kumar, R/o Ward

No.19 (Nineteen) Shivnagar Behind Sheep Husbandry

Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir-184101 (One Eight Four One

Zero One).

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(6) Dr. Ram Prasad Singh S/o. Late Tulsi Ram Singh, R/o. No-

4/35, (Four/ Thirty Five) C-80 (Eighty), Mahamana Nagar,

Sunderpur, Varansi-221005 (Two Two One Zero Zero Five),

U.P. retired from BHU in 2017 (Two Thousand Seventeen), a

Journalist Editor of Vande Matram.

(7) Shishir Chaturvedi (Advocate) S/o. Late Jugal Kishore

Chaturvedi R/o.215/460 (Two Hundred Fifteen/ Four

Hundred Sixty) Ichha Bawan, Sabji Madi, Charbagh

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh-226001 (Two Two Six Zero Zero One).

(8) Neeraj Shankar Saxena S/o. Late Bhawani Shankar Saxena,

Resident of 25/51 (Twenty Five/ Fifty One) Shiva Ji Marg,

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh-226001(Two Two Six Zero Zero

One).

(9) Rakesh Kumar Agarwal S/o Late Shri Nivas Agarwal, R/o.S-

10 (Ten)/8 (Eight)-4 (Four) B Maqbool Alam Road Varanasi,

Uttar Pradesh- 221002 (Two Two One Zero Zero Two).

(10) Jan Udghosh Sewa Sansthan, the Society registered under

Societies Registration Act 1860 (Eighteen Sixty) at Lucknow

having Registration No.184 (One Hundred Eighty Four)

dated 25.04.2017, (Twenty Fifth April Two Thousand

Seventeen) office at E-3 (Three) /568 (Five Hundred Sixty

Eight) Sector J Aliganj Lucknow, through its President

Kuldeep Tiwari S/o Girish Chandra Tiwari, R/o.4/285 (Four/

Two Hundred Eighty Four) Viram Khand Gomti Nagar

Lucknow Uttar Pradesh-226010 (Two Two Six Zero One Zero)

……….. Plaintiffs

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VERSUS

1. Union of India

Through its Secretary,

Ministry of Home Affairs

Government of India

North Block

New Delhi-110001 (One One Zero Zero Zero One)

Email Address: hshso@nic.in

2. The Government of Uttar Pradesh

Through Principal Secretary Home,

Lal Bahadur Shastri Bhawan (Annexy Building)

Sarojni Naidu Marg, Lucknow

Uttar Pradesh, Pin-226001 (Two Two Six Zero Zero One).

Email Address:- shome@nic.in

3. The State of Uttar Pradesh

Through Chief Secretary,

Government of Uttar Pradesh,

101 (One Hundred One),

Lok Bhawan, U.P. Civil Secretariat,

Vidhan Sabha Marg, Lucknow,

Uttar Pradesh, Pin-226001 (Two Two Six Zero Zero One).

Email Address: csup@nic.in

4. District Magistrate, Varanasi.

Collectorate Compound, Hamrautia,

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh-221102 (Two Two One One Zero

Two), Email Address: dmvar@nic.in

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5. Senior Superintendent of Police, District Varanasi.

Collectorate Compound, Hamrautia,

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh-221002 (Two Two One One Zero

Two), Email Address: sspvns-up@nic.in

6. U.P. Sunni Central Waqf Board, Through Chairperson,

3(Three)-A, Mal Avenue, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Pin:

226001 (Two Two Six Zero Zero One).

Email Address: info@upsunniwaqfboard.org

7. Committee of Management Anjuman Intazamia Masajid,

through its Secretary, alleged Gyanvapi Masjid, office at Pilli

Kothi Varanasi Uttar Pradesh Pin 221001 (Two Two One

Zero Zero One).

8. Board of Trustees of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Through

Chief Executive Officer/ Secretary, office at Shri Kashi

Vishwanath Temple, CK 37/40 (Thirty Seven/ Forty), 42

(Forty Two) Bans Phatak, Varanasi-Uttar Pradesh Pin

221001 (Two Two One Zero Zero One)

Email Id:- shrikashivishwanathtempletrust@gmail.com,

……… Defendants

Cause of Action: Accruing continuously and also on 10th February 2021(10th February Two Thousand Twenty One)

Place of cause of Action:-

Ancient Kashi Vishwanath Temple at Dashashwamedh

Ward : Dashashwamedh

Police Station Dashashwamedh

Valuation of Suit: Rs. 15,00,000 /- (Fifteen Lakhs)

Total Court Fee paid Rs. 1400/- (One Thousand Four Hundred)

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Suit for Declaration, Permanent and Mandatory Injunction

The Plaintiffs named above most respectfully beg to submit as under:-

1. That the present suit is being filed for restoration of Darshan,

Pooja, Aarti, Bhog and performance of rituals at the principle

seat of Asthan of Lord Adi Visheshwar and of Goddess Maa

Shringar Gauri, the Ardhangni and devotee of Lord Adi

Visheshwar, along with Lord Ganesh, Nandiji and other deities

within the precincts of temple complex known as “Ancient

Temple” existing at Settlement Plot No.9130 (Nine Thousand

One Hundred Thirty), measuring about 1 (One) Bhiga, 9 (Nine)

Biswas and 6 (Six) Dhoors within the area of Dasaswamedh, the

heart of city of Varanasi, hereinafter referred to, as “the property

in question” and to preserve the cultural and religious heritage of

India. A sketch map of the old temple published in the book

‘Benares Illustrated in A series of Drawing’ by James Prinsep is

annexed hereto and marked as ANNEXURE No. A to the suit.

A. INTRODUCTORY:-

2. That every Citizen has fundamental right to perform pooja,

worship and rituals according to the tenets of his religion within

the ambit of Article 25 (Twenty Five) of the Constitution of

India and any obstacle created before 26.01.1950 (Twenty Six

January, Nineteen Fifty) has become null and void by virtue of

Article 13(1) (Thirteen (one) of the Constitution of India. An

idol worshipper cannot complete his pooja and gain spiritual

advantages without having objects of worship. Any hindrance/

obstacle created in performance of pooja, is denial of right to

religion guaranteed under Article 25 (Twenty Five) of the

Constitution of India.

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3. That the Jyotirlingam was desecrated/damaged in 1669 (Sixteen

Sixty Nine) under the orders and command of Aurangzeb, one of

the most cruel Rulers of India, but Maa Shringar Gauri, Lord

Ganesh and other subsidiary deities continued to exist within the

ancient temple, which is claimed by Muslims to be part of so

called Gyanvapi mosque.

4. That this suit is being field by devotees and worshippers as next

friend of plaintiff Deities. The devotee plaintiffs are Sanatani

Hindu, idol worshipper and are worshipper of Lord Shiva the

Lord of Universe. They practice, profess and propagate, Vedic

Sanatan Hindu Dharma and are competent to bring this suit in

the interest of deities and for the benefit of devotees.

5. That Plaintiffs and the devotees of Lord Shiva along with

subsidiary deities are entitled to perform Pooja, Darshan, Aarti,

Bhog etc within the entire area of five Kos (Krosh) in exercise

of right guaranteed by Article 25 (Twenty Five) of Constitution

of India and no person has right to interfere and create hindrance

in the performance of Pooja/ worship of deities by the Plaintiffs,

and other devotees.

B. DESCRIPTION OF PLAINTIFFS AND DEFENDANTS:

6. That plaintiffs in the suit are:-

(i) Plaintiff No.1 (One) - Maa Shringar Gauri is ‘Swayambhu’

deity, revealed near Adi Visheshwar Shivlingam being

worshiped from time immemorial, within ancient temple,

is filling this suit through next friend and devotee, as there

is no Shebait or any person to render service to her and

bring the cause before the court for the redressal of the

grievances being raised through this suit.

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(ii) Plaintiff No.2 (Two) - Asthan Lord Adi Visheshwar,

Jyotirlinga is Swayambhu deity, in existence in the radius

of 5 (Five) Kos (Krosh), Avimukteshwar area situated in

the City and District Varanasi. The place in the radius of 5

(Five) Kos (Krosh) is sacred for Hindus and devotees

being Avimukt Khetra (area) having been recognized by

scriptures and Vedas, Sastras and Purans including Shiv

Puran and Skand Puran. This place is known as Avimukt

Khetra and is being worshiped by devotees from the time

immemorial. This suit is being field by deity through

devotee asserting the right to be worshiped and for

removal of encroachment from the place in question and

also for the religious benefit of devotees.

(iii) All other Plaintiffs are devotees of Lord Adi Visheshwar,

Goddess Maa Shringar Gauri and are worshipers of Asthan

Lord Adi Visheshwar, Jyotirlingam and other subsidiary

deities. They are filling this suit in the capacity of

worshippers and devotees of Lord Shiva asserting their

right to worship, Dharshan, Pooja and for performing the

rituals at the principal seat of deity Lord Adi Visheshwar

in the ancient temple complex and for restoration and

construction of temple at the original place and for that

reliefs being prayed for in this suit.

7. That Defendants in the suit are:-

(i) Union of India, Defendant No.1 (One) – as the question of

validity of the provisions of the Places of Worship

(Special Provisions) Act 1991 (Nineteen Ninety One), may

arise for determination. In Civil Suit No.62 (Sixty Two) of

1936 (Nineteen Thirty Six) the Secretary of State for India

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in Council through District Magistrate, Benares was

defendant and had filed written statement.

(ii) Government of Uttar Pradesh Defendant No.2 (Two) and

Chief Secretary of State of Uttar Pradesh Defendant No. 3

(Three) - as they are under legal obligation for proper

implementation of the provisions contained in Shri Kashi

Vishwanath Temple Act 1983 and for the implementation

of the decree which may be ultimately passed in the suit.

(iii) District Magistrate, Varanasi Defendant No.4 (Four) and

Senior Superintendent of Police, District Varanasi

Defendant No.5 (Five) – have been arrayed being the law

enforcing agencies responsible to maintain law and order

situation and to carry out the order passed by the State

Government and also for proper implementation of the

decree which may be ultimately passed in the suit.

(iv) Sunni Central Waqf Board Defendant No.6 (Six) – has

been arrayed as it is alleged that the Board has registered

the property in question as Waqf property and such

inclusion is being questioned in the suit.

(v) Committee of Management Anjuman Intazamia Masajid,

Defendant No.7 (Seven) – has been arrayed as it is alleged

that the committee is illegally and unauthorizedly

managing the affairs of the property in question.

(vi) Board of Trustees of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple,

Defendant No.8 (Eight) – has been arrayed as it has been

established by the Act of legislature and is under legal

obligation to manage the entire area of temple complex

including ancient temple but no action has been taken by

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the trust to take over the ‘property in question’ under its

control.

C. NATURE OF RELIEF:

8. That the relief in the suit is being prayed,

(a) For declaring that the worshippers and devotees of Goddess

Maa Shringar Gauri, Goddess Maa Ganga, Lord Hanuman, Lord

Ganeshji, Nandiji alongwith Lord Adi Visheshwar are entitled

to have Darshan, Pooja and Worship of deities within the area

in question,

(b) For declaring that the entire Avimukteshwar area belongs to

plaintiff deity Asthan Lord Adi Visheshwar in the radius of 5

(Five) Kos (Krosh) from the principal seat of Asthan Adi

Visheshwar,

(c) For perpetual injunction against defendants prohibiting them

from interfering with, or raising any objection or obstruction

in the construction of New Temple building consisting of

Goddess Maa Shringar Gauri along with Lord Ganesh, Nandi

Ji and other subsidiary deities at Principle seat of Asthan Adi

Visheshwar after demolishing and removing the existing

buildings and structures etc, situate there at, in so far as it

may be necessary or expedient to do so for the said purpose

(d) For Mandatory Injunction directing defendant No.2 (Two) the

Government of Uttar Pradesh and Defendant No.7 (Seven) the

Board of trustees of Kashi Vishwanath Temple, created under

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Act, 1983 (Nineteen Eighty

Three) to restore pooja and worship of Goddess Gauri

Shringarji, Goddess Maa Ganga, Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganeshji,

Nandiji alongwith Lord Adi Visheshwar and make appropriate

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arrangement for Darshan and Pooja by worshippers and to

maintain law and order situation.

D. ABOUT KASHI:-

9. That Varanasi or Kashi is a Pouranik Ancient Religious Holy

city in existence before Vedic Era, Lord Shiva as Adi

Visheshwar revealed on earth and established Jyotirlingam at

Varanasi along with Ganga Ji. There is mention of Kashi in

“Rigved” and other ancient scriptures. At the present there are

thousands of ancient temples in Kashi.

10. That from the time immemorial pooja and rituals of Lord Adi

Visheshwar is being performed with fresh water of Ganga Ji

existing in the North of Shivlingam. The place has special

religious significance for Hindu Devotees as it is one out of 12

(Twelve) Jyotirlingam worshiped in different parts of India. In

Hindu Shastras there is provision for performance of Jalabhishek

with Ganga Jal of Lord Adi Visheshwar to acquire merit of

salvation and get solution of miseries of worldly life.

11. That Kashi has faced a number of attacks from invaders and the

temple of Adi Visheshwar was attacked, looted and demolished

by the enemy of idol worshippers right from 1193 (Eleven

Ninety three) AD till the year 1669 (Sixteen Sixty Nine).

12. That ‘Adi Visheshwar Jyotirling’ at Kashi is Swyambhu Deity

and is most ancient out of 12 (Twelve) Jyotirlings established

in different parts of ‘Tapo Bhoomi’ “Bharatvarsh”. The

Jyotirlings have great position under Hindu mythology and its

importance have been described in Vedas, Purans, Upnishads and

Shastras followed by devotees and worshippers of Santan Vedic

Hindu Dharma. ‘Adi Visheshwar Jyotirling’ at Kashi is the

Ancient place of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Adi Jyotirling

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of Avimukteshwar in Avimukta Kshetra of Kashi is considered as

1st (First) Jyotirling Linga under Vedic Sanatan Dharma.

13. That ‘Avimuta Khestra’ of Kashi have the Linga of Lord Adi

Visheshwar, is located to the north of the sacred well, Gyan

Vapi while encircling the temple of Avimukteshwara, the shrines

of Dandapani, Taraka and Mahakaal all of which are also erected

near the Gyan Vapi and Lord Visheshwar temple.

14. That as described in various scriptures and Skand Puran, the

Jyotirlinga was established by Lord Shiva himself at Kashi

creating Avimukteshwara Kshetra in the radius of 5 (Five) Kos

(Krosh).

15. That it is historically proved that in 1585 (Fifteen Eighty five)

Raja Todar Mal, the finance Minister of Akbar, who was

Governor of Jaunpur, had re-established and reconstructed a

magnificent Lord Shiva Temple at its original place consisting

of a central sanctum sanctorum (Garbh Griha) surrounded by

Eight mandaps and pavilions, which is known as old temple.

E. ASTHAN LORD ADI VISHESHWAR, THE SWAYAMBHU DEITY:

16. That Adi Visheshwar, “Lord of the Universe” is one on the most

exalted titles of SHIVA and his connection with Benares is

quaintly depicted in the following sentiment of Purans as

mentioned by “James Prinsep”:-

“The Vedas and Shastras all testify that VISHVESHVUR

is the first of Devas, Kashi the first of the cities, Ganga the

first of rivers and Charity the first of Virtues”

17. That Vedas, Purans and Shastras, the sources of Hindu law,

specifically define the importance and diameter/dimension of 5

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(Five) Kos (Krosh) of Shri Aadi Visheshwar Lingam at Kashi,

which is considered one of the five Swayambhu Jyotirlingams.

In this regard some verses (Shloks) from Shri Skand Puran and

Shri Shiv Purans are being reproduced below:-

E/1. EXTRACT FROM SHREE SKAND PURAN:

(i) अ�ािनमु���े�ािणकाशी�ा��करािणच।

काशी�ंा� िवमु�ेतना�थातीथ�कोिटिभ:।।

Skand-Chapter 6 (Six), Pg.58(Fifty Eight), Verse No.71

(Seventy One).

Translated in English:-

All other forsaken (Avimukta) places are procured through

Kashi. Nirvana (to get rid of from the cycle of death and rebirth)

is achieved only after getting Kashi. The benefit of Nirvana is

not achieved by any other means even by residing in any other

religious place.

(ii) अिवमु�ंमह�े�ं पंच�ोशपरीिमतम्।

�ोितलंग�देकंिह �ेयंिव�े�रािभधम्॥

Skand-Chapter 7,(Seven) Pg. 250(Two hundred Fifty),

Verse-131 (One hundred thirty one)

Translated in English:-

The Avimukta (forsaken) area is in circle of 5 (five) Kos

(Krosh). At this place there is Visheshwar Shivling which is

Jyotirling

(iii) साश��:�कृित:�ो�ासपुमानी�रःपरः।

ता�ा�रममाणा�ांत���ेते्रेघटो�व॥२५॥

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(iv) परमान��पा�ां परमान��िपिण।

प��ोशपरीमाणे �पादतलिनिम�ते॥२६॥

(v) मुने! �लयकालेऽिप न त�े�ंकदाचन।

िवमु�ं िह िशवा�ां यदिवमु�ंततोिवदुः।।२७॥

(vi) न यदा भूिमवलयं न यदाऽपां समु�व ।

तदा िवहतु�मीशेन �े�मेति�िनिम�तम्॥२८॥

(vii) इदं रह� �े�� वेदकोऽिप न कु�ज।

ना��काय न ब��ंकदािच�म�च�ुषे॥२९॥

(viii) ��ालवे िवनीताय ि�काल�ानच�ुषे।

िशवभ�ायशा�ाय व���मुमु�वे॥३० ॥

Skand, Chapter 16 (Sixteenth Pg.242 (Two hundred Forty

two), Verses 25 (Twenty)- 30 (Thirty).

Translated in English:-

Goddess (Shakti) is nature and God is creator (Shiva). They

have made this universe under their feet. They have created

5 (Five) Kos (Krosh) area for their pleasure which cannot

be extinct during Pralayandam (the last day of universe),

and so it is called Avimukta area. When there was no land,

no water, the God created this area for His abode. Hey

Kumabhaj, nobody has knowledge about the secret this

place. . Do not say this to an atheist, it is right to say this

only to Dharmadarshi, devotees, Vineet, Trikala,Yajna,

Shiv Bhakt, shant and Mumukchu.

(ix) इितगौरी�रतं�ु�ा��ुवाचिपनाकधृक्।

प��ोशपरीमाणे�े�े���ु��स�िन ।॥९॥

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Skand, Chapter 99 (Ninety nine) Pg.923 (Nine hundred

twenty three), Verse-9 (Nine)

Translated in English:-

O Goddess! There is not even a smallest area without

influence of Linga in 5 (Five) Kos (Krosh) circle of

Avimukt area.

There is book titled as ‘Kashi Rahasyam’ written by Dr.

Jagdish Narayan Dubey on Kashi containing several Verses

in Sanskrit. Some of the verses are reproduced below:-

(i) िलंग�पधर:श�ुहद�या�िहरागत:।

महतीवंृ��मासा� पंच�ोशा�कोऽभवत्॥

Kashi Rahasya Chapter 2 (Two) page 23 (Twenty three)

Verse) -107 (One hundred and seven) .

Translated in English:-

Lord Vishnu told saints that in the beginning of establishing

universe the lingam was established for the benefit of all in three

loks that:-

“we remembered Shambhu and he came out in the form of

Lingam from our heart and went on lingering upto 5 (five) Kos

(Krosh).”

E/2. EXTRACT FROM SIVA MAHAPURAN:

The there is Siva Mahapurana in Sanskrit. This has been

translated in English by Shanti Lal Nagar. Chapter No. 22

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(Twenty Two) -23(Twenty Three) are related to Kashi. Relevant

Shlokas with English translation are quoted herein under:-

(i) Chapter 22(Twenty Two)-page 590 (Five hundred Ninety),

Shlok 21(Twenty one)

अिवमु�ं �यं िल�ं �थािपतं परमा�ना।

न कदािच�या �ा�िमदं�े�ं ममांशकम् ॥ २१॥

Lord Shiva, the supreme soul, there, had been consecrated as a

Sivalinga known by the name of Avimukta and spoke. “You

have been formed of my amsa as Jyotirlinga and therefore, you

never leave this place.”

(ii) Chapter 22 (Twenty Two) - page 591(Five hundred Ninety

one), Shlok 27 (Twenty Seven)

येषां �ािप गित�ा�� तेषां वाराणसी पुरी।

प��ोशी महापु�ा ह�ाकोिटिवनािशनी॥ २७॥

Those who cannot get redeemed elsewhere, they also get

redeemed at Kasi. The region of PancaKos (Krosh)i, bestows

enormous merits, therefore it redeems one of the crores of the

killings.

(iii) Chapter 23 (Twenty Three)- Page 594(Five hundred

Ninety four), Shlok 22(Twenty two)

मह�े�िमदं त�ादिवमु�िमित �ृतम्।

सव��ो नैिमषािद�ः परं मो��दं मृते॥ २२॥

The great region is called Avimukta. Even after death, this

region is better than Naimisaranya and others.

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(iv) Chapter 23 (Twenty three)- Page 594 (Five hundred

Ninety Four), Shlok 34(Thirty Five)

प��ोशं चतुिद� �ु �े�मेत�कीित�तम्।

सम�ाच तथा ज�ोमृ�ितकालेऽमृत�दम् ॥ ३४॥

This region is spread up to five Kos (Krosh) as in all the

directions. One who dies in this region, he achieves nectar.

18. That the Hon’ble Apex Court while upholding the constitutional

validity Act of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Act, 1983

(Nineteen Eighty Three) in case of Shri Adi Visheshwar of

Kashi Vishwanath Temple vs. State of U.P. reported in 1997

(Nineteen Ninety Seven) (4) (Four) SCC Pg.606 (Six hundred

Six) has also discussed the importance of Adi Visheshwar given

in scriptures. The narration of facts given in para 1 (one) of the

judgment are reproduced herein below:-

“…The Linga of Lord Visheshwar appears to have

been located to north of the sacred well, Jnana Vapi

while encircling the Temple of Avimukteshwara, the

shrines of Dandapani, Taraka and Mahakaal all of

which are also erected near the Jnana Vapi and Lord

Visheshwara Temple. According to Puranic

Mahatmya and Kashi Khanda of the Skanda Purana,

the Jyotirlinga was established by Lord Shiva

himself when he went into exile to the Mount

Mandara during the reign of the legendary King

Divodasa. Since Lord Shiva himself disguised the

Linga, according to Mahatmya Lord Shiva never

really left the sacrosanct and sacred temple. Hence,

it became “Avimukta” (Never Forsaken). This was

also stated by Vaachaspati Mishra in his famous

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Puranic work “Tirtha Chintamani” in 1460 (Fourteen

Sixty) wherein he had stated that “Visheshwara” and

“Avimukteshwara” were merely two names for the

same Jyotirlinga. Narayan Bhatta had similarly

mentioned it to be so in 16th (Sixteenth) century in

his work “Tirthalisetu”

F. GODDESS SHRINGAR GAURI, THE SWAYAMBHU DEITY:

19. That Maa Shringar Gauri emerged as ‘Swayambhu Deity

‘adjacent to the Jyotirlingam in the old temple complex because

she is ‘Ardhangni’ of Lord Shiva and without her the worship of

Shivaling is incomplete. It is relevant to mention that Maa

Shringar Gauri is also worshiped as ‘Anpurna Devi’.

20. That Gauri Shringar temple is situated in Ishan Kon at the back

of Old temple. The Image of Shringar Gauri is kept covered by

red cloth. This image is Swyambhu (Vigrah) of the Goddess. It

is believed that married women get Ashirwad of Shrividhi.

F/1 EXTRACT FROM SKANDH PURAN:

21. That in Skand Puran in Chapter 99-100 (Ninety Nine-Hundred),

it is has been emphasized that the devotee should have Darshan

and pooja of Maa Shringar Gauri to complete worship of Lord

Adi Visheshwar. In regard to the provision relating to Shriangar

Mandap and Maa Shringar Gauri the provisions contained in

Skandpuran are reproduced below:-

i. समार� �ितपदंयाव�ृ�ा चतुद�शी।

एत�मेण कत��ा�ेतदायतनािन वै॥६१॥

ii. इमां या�ांनरः कृ�ानभूयोऽ�िभजायते।

अ�ा या�ा �कत��ैकादशायतनो�वा॥६२॥

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iii. आ�ीधकु�े सु�ातः प�ेदा�ी�मी�रम्।

उव�शीशं ततो ग�े�त�ु नकुली�रम् ॥६ ३ ॥

iv. आषाढीशं ततो ���ा भारभूते�रं ततः।

ला�लीश�थालो� तत�ुि�पुरा�कम्। ॥६४ ॥

v. ततोमनः �कामेशं �ीितकेशमथो �जेत्|

मदालसे�रं त�ाि�लपण��रं ततः ॥६५॥

vi. या�ैकादशिल�ानामेषा काया� �य�तः।

इमां या�ां �कुवा�णो ���ं �ा�ुया�रः।॥६६॥

vii. अतः परं �व�ािम गौरीया�ामनु�माम्।

शु�प�ेतृतीयायांयाया�ािव�गृ��दा॥६७॥

viii. गो�े�तीथ� सु�ाय मुखिनमा�िलकां �जेत्।

�े�ावा�ां नरः �ा�ा �े�ां गौरी ंसमच�येत्॥६८॥

ix. सौभा�गौरी स�ू�ा�ानवा�ांकृतोदकैः।

ततः ��ारगौरी��ैवच कृतोदकः।॥६९॥

x. �ा�ा िवशालग�ायां िवशाला�ी ंततो �जेत्।

सु�ातो लिलतातीथ� लिलतामच�ये�तः॥७ ०॥

Skand, Chapter 100, (Hundred) Page 1007 (One Thousand

and seven), Verses 61-70 (Sixty One-Seventy)

Translation of Verses 61 (Sixty one) to 70 (Seventy)

One should have to start its daily journey from Krishna

Pratipada to Chaturdashi, Ekadasayetnodhav is another

journey is duty of human being, after having bath him

Agnindhedhra Kund 11(Eleven) Lingas as

19

Agnindheshwar, Urvasishwar, Nakuleshwar, Aasadishwar,

Bharbhuteshwar, Langlishwar, Tripurantkeshwar,

Manhaprakameshwar, Madalseshwar and Tilparneshwar,

be worshiped accordingly, one should acquire merit of

getting Rudratva. Now Anupamgauri yatra starts from the

day of Shukla Paksha Tretiya provides extreme wealth.

One should after having bath in Gopreksha Teerth and

have darshan of Sukhniwarnika Devi. Performing worship

of Jeshtha Gauri one should have take bath with water of

Gyanvapi worshipped Shringar Gauri after completing

worship of Shaubhagya Gauri. Thereafter, taking bath on

Vishal Ghat on Gangaji have darshan and pooja of Maa

Vishalakshi and have darshan and worship of Lalita Devi

after having bath on Lalita Teerth Ghat.

22. That Kashi Khand-Chapter 100 (One hundred) has prescribed

Gauri Yatra (religious tour of Gauri Temples). This yatra is to be

undertaken on Tritieya after Amavasya. (Third day after

amavasya)

23. That Puranik Law, usage and custom as recognized by Skand

Puran provide that to complete the worship and for fulfillment of

worldly and spiritual desire it is important to perform pooja of

Maa Shringar Gauri who is seated under the Shringar Mandap.

As per Shashtrik command contained in Skandpuran a devotee is

required to undertake Anupam Gauri yatra from Krishna Paksha

Pratipada to Chaturdashi to get happiness and wealth. There is

provision for performing pooja of Jestha Gauri before

performing pooja of Saubhagya Gauri and before completion of

journey the pooja of Shringar Gauri is to be performed which is

symbol of Saubhagya.

20

24. That according to Puranik ordains, the Pooja and Worship of

Goddess Shringar Gauri is compulsory to achieve the fruit of

Worship of Lord Vishwanath.

25. That image of Maa Shringar Gauri exists within the property in

question at the back side of Gyan Vapi in Ishan Kon (North East

Corner). The devotees had been worshipping daily Pooja and

Worship at this place but in 1990 (Nineteen Ninety) during

Ayodhya movement the Government of Uttar Pradesh to appease

Muslims, put some restrictions in the daily puja by devotees.

Since 1993 (Nineteen Ninety three) the State Government

imposed some more hard conditions for devotees in worshipping

Goddess Shringar Gauri and other subsidiary deities.

26. That now Goddess Maa Shringar Gauri temple opens once in a

year on the fourth day of Vasantik Navratri by the administration

for devotees to worship. On this day thousands of devotees come

to temple to worship and have Darshan of Goddess Shringar

Gauri. It is believed that devotees who worship Goddess

Shringar Gauri get all sorts of happiness and prosperity in life.

The Government has no right to restrict the entry of devotees on

other days. The devotees have right to worship and perform

rituals of Shringar Gauri daily.

G. DEMOLITION OF ADI VISHESHWAR TEMPLE IN 1669 (SIXTEEN SIXTY NINE)

27. That barbarian and cruel period of history started in India with the

attack of Muhammad-bin-Kasim in 712 (Seven Hundred Twelve)

century. Thereafter, with the attack of Mohammad Gaznavi India

continuously witnessed the most cruel and barbarian attitude of

followers of Islam, who in the name of religion not only looted and

plundered the properties but also massacred a number of Hindus,

the women were forcibly taken away and they also demolished,

21

destroyed, dismantled and damaged a number of temples and

trampled Hindu culture and forcibly converted a large number of

Hindus to Islam. The story of Islamic barbarism and terror

continued unabated during all the regimes of Muslim rulers and

came to a halt with the death of Aurangzeb in 1707 (Seventeen

Zero Seven) but in another form the said tendency continued by

subsequent rulers and same were also copied by Britishers during

their rule till India became free.

28. That Aurangzeb one of the cruelest Islamic ruler was the

champion in destruction of Hindu temples. He had issued

‘Farmaans’ in the year 1669 (Sixteen Sixty Nine) to destroy

many temples including Kashi and Mathura, which were

prominently worshipped by Hindus. The administration

complied with the order and demolished a portion of temple of

the Adi Visheshwar at Varanasi and later on a construction was

raised which they alleged ‘Gyanvapi Mosque’ but they could not

change the religious charter of Hindu temple as the idol of

Goddess Shringar Gauri, Lord Ganesh and other associate deities

continued in the same building complex

29. That on 18.04.1669 (Eighteen April Sixteen Sixty Nine)

Aurangzeb had issued farmaan for demolishing the temple of

Lord Shiva i.e. Adi Visheshwar at Benaras. Historians Sir H.M.

Elliot and John Dowson in his book “The History of India” as

told by its own historians has mentioned that :-

“18.04.1669 (Eighteen April Sixteen Sixty Nine), it

reached the ear of His Majesty, the protector of the faith,

that in the provinces of Thatta, Multan, and Benares, but

especially in the latter, foolish Brahmans were in the habit

of expounding frivolous books in their schools, and that

students and learners, Musalmans as well as Hindus, went

22

there, even from long distances, led by a desire to become

acquainted with the wicked sciences they taught. The

“director of the Faith” consequently issued orders to al the

governors of provinces to infidels; and they were strictly

enjoined to put an entire stop to the teaching and

practicing of idolatrous forms of worship. On the 15th

(Fifteenth) Rabi-ul-Akhir (02.09.1669) (Two Nine Sixteen

Sixty Nine) it was reported to his religious Majesty, leader

of the Unitarians, that in obedience to order, the

Government officer had destroyed the temple of Bishnath

at Benares.”

30. That the fact of demolition of Shri Adi Visheshwar temple under

the command of Aurangzeb was also mentioned in ‘Maasir-I-

Alamgiri,’ a writer of the time of Aurangzeb, which has been

translated by Sir Jadunath Sarkar at page 55 (Fifty five)

confirming the facts mentioned in the preceding paragraph.

31. That in fact the original temple was partly demolished and

utilizing the remaining structure and the materials a construction

was raised and named alleged ‘Gyan Vapi Mosque’ whereas the

deities continued in visible and invisible form within the

premises of old temple. A large portion of the building and a

portion of Tahkhana remained in the control of Hindus.

32. That the historians have confirmed that Islamic ruler Aurangzeb

had issued an order on 09.04.1669 (Nine Four Sixteen Sixty

Nine) directing his Administration to demolish the temple of

Lord Adi Visheshwar at Varanasi. There is nothing on record to

establish that the then ruler or any subsequent ruler has passed

any order to create a Waqf over the land in question or for

handing over the land to any Muslim or body of Muslims. The

23

copy of farmaan/ order issued by Aurangzeb is reported to be

maintained by Asiatic library Kolkata.

33. That the administration could partly demolish the temple

structure. The western side of the temple is continuing in its

original shape. The upper portion of the western side of the

Mandap is still there. The Varanda 16 (Sixteen) X 10 (Ten)

around central hall of the temple is still there. The northern and

southern walls of the temple structure have been used without

any change in the construction raised during the regime of

Aurangzeb.

H. PERIOD AFTER 1669 (Sixteen Sixty nine)

34. That after partial demolition of ancient temple of Lord Adi

Visheshwar, a new construction alleged to be ‘Gyan Vapi

Mosque’ was raised thereat. There is a book written under the

title ‘History of Benares’ by Dr. A. S. Altekar the Professor and

Head of the Department of Ancient History and Culture of

Banaras Hindu University, wherein he has described the nature

of construction raised by Muslims at the place of ancient temple

which reveals that:-

(i) The eastern portion of the open platform of the alleged

Mosque is formed by covering with stones slabs on

extensive Hindu Mandap about 125 (One hundred

Twenty five) Feet X 18 (Eighteen) Feet in dimension a

part of which is at present in the possession of Hindus.

(ii) A portion of Mandap of Hindu temple exists in the

courtyard of alleged Gyan Vapi Mosque, still in

possession of Hindus.

24

(iii) The Construction raised in the regime of Aurangzeb by

and large is on the existing columns and remains of

ancient temple.

(iv) At the back of the western wall of alleged Gyan Vapi

Mosque there is image of Goddess Shringar Gauri

existing since time immemorial and being worshiped

continuously.

(v) Hindus have continued to worship in the western side

of the alleged mosque of ‘Gupt’ i.e. invisible deity.

Hindus still continued to worship the place in the

dilapidated wall of the ruins to the west of the alleged

mosque as the abode of Gauri and her son Lord Ganesh.

They also pay homage to Panch Mandap.

(vi) In fact the ancient temple of Lord Visheshwar was

itself converted into the structure in the present form by

the engineers of Aurangzeb. They retained much part of

old temple as could be possible.

(vii) The western hall of the temple was merely pull down

along with adjoining subsidiary shrines. They utilized

useful building material, level up to the debris and

allowed to remain in that ugly condition which is still

there.

(viii) A portion of the super structure of the western Mandap

can still be seen in ruins today.

(ix) After demolishing the Mandap and adjoining shrines,

the architect of Aurangzeb closed upto the western door

of the sanctuary of the Vishwanath, as also of each of

the Mandaps on its south and North in order to form the

25

western wall of their alleged mosque. The three doors

filled up can still be very easily detected in the mosque

wall at its back. The western wall of the temple remains

till the point where the spires commenced.

(x) The Muslim engineers utilized structurally the central

shrine of Vishwanath and the adjoining halls to its

north and south they converted the sanctuary of

Vishwanath which was of 32 (Thirty two) Square feet,

into the central hall of the new construction. This hall

too is of the same dimension. Adjoining the central

sanctuary antechambers are 16 (Sixteen) Feet X 10

(Ten) feet in dimension. They were retained in the new

structure and can be still seen round the hall of the

alleged mosque.

(xi) The Mandaps to the south and the north of the shrine of

Lord Visheshwar were converted into the side halls of

the alleged mosque. Being only 16 (Sixteen) feet X 16

(Sixteen) feet in dimension they were too small for the

purpose. They were, therefore, enlarged into square

halls 20 (Twenty) Feet in dimension, by including in

them the adjoining antechambers towards the central

hall, which were 8 (Eight) feet in breadth and by

reducing the breadth of the wall towards the east and

west by 4 (four) feet each way.

(xii) The eastern portion of the ancient temple could not be

structurally utilized, so it was demolished. Part of the

area was utilized for constructing and extensive

verandah in front of the three halls of the alleged

mosque. Pillars utilized for this verandah, however,

26

belong to the old temple and show the Hindu louts

motifs upon them.

(xiii) The northern, western and southern boundaries of the

alleged mosque are coterminous with those of the

temple built by Raja Todarmal. On the eastern side its

courtyard covers up the entire Rangamandapa on the

east belonging to 15th (Fifteenth) centaury temple.

(xiv) A portion of Tahkhana is still in possession of Hindus.

35. That in between 1777 (Seventeen hundred Seventy Seven)- 80

(Eighty) Queen of Indor Ahilya Bai Holkar constructed a new

Sri Vishwanath temple adjacent to the old temple of Adi

Visheshwar. In this case the original temple will be referred to

as ‘ancient’ temple and the temple constructed by Ahilya Bai

Holkar as ‘new temple’.

36. That on 1809 (Eighteen hundred zero Nine) Hindus recaptured

the old temple. On 30th (Thirtieth) December 1810 (Eighteen

Hundred Ten) the then District Magistrate Mr. Watson sent letter

to president council suggesting to hand over Gyan Vapi area to

Hindus forever.

37. That the remnants of the Hindu temple can be seen on the walls

of the alleged Gyan Vapi Mosque which is standing on the

destroyed original Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The temple

structure which exists prior to the construction of the alleged

Gyan Vapi Mosque was built by Raja Man Singh.

38. That a temple structure can be seen at the alleged mosque’s rear

wall, long believed to the remnant of the original Kashi

Vishwanath temple. In 1822 (Eighteen Twenty Two), James

27

Prinsep captioned an illustration of the rear wall as “Temple of

Vishveshvur” in his Benaras Illustrated that:-

‘The Hindus worshiped the plinth of the mosque as the

plinth of the old Kashi Vishwanath temple.’ M.A. Sherring

(1868) (Eighteen Sixty Eight) wrote that the “extensive

remains” of the temple destroyed by Aurangzeb were still

visible, forming “a large portion of the western wall” of

the mosque. He mentioned that the remnant structure also

had Jain and Buddhist elements besides the Hindu ones.’

39. That historical fact reveals that in 1698 (Sixteen Ninety Eight),

Bishan Singh, the ruler of Amber, launched an initiative to build

the Vishwanath temple. His agents surveyed the surrounding

land, and detailed various claims and controversies on the topic.

His Court purchased the land around the Gyanvapi precinct, but

was unable to rebuild the temple.

40. That the building in question contains the image of Swayambhu

deity Goddess Shringar Gauri and images of number of God and

Goddess, a number of object of worship and Hindu religious

facets within the structure from the time immemorial. The

religious character of the building complex as Hindu place of

worship is continuing till date despite the construction illegally

raised by Muslims.

41. That the worshippers of Lord Shiva and Hindus in general are

continuously worshipping the Lord Adi Visheshwar, Goddess

Shringar Gauri and other deities existing within the property in

question. Circumambulation around the deity is integral part of

worship recognized by Hindu law. The devotees in thousands

circumambulate through Parikaram Marg and perform other

28

rituals and on festive days they assemble in lakhs to perform

pooja thereat.

42. That the deity Adi Visheshwar is continuing as De-Jure owner of

the entire land of Settlement Plot No.9130 (Nine Thousand One

Hundred Thirty), 9131 (Nine Thousand One Hundred Thirty

One) and 9132 (Nine Thousand One Hundred Thirty Two) in

Mauza Shahar Khas, Tahsil and District Varanasi.

43. That Aurangzeb passed the order for demolishing the temple in

the capacity of a sovereign. The land does not belong to any

Muslim, body of Muslim or Waqf board.

I-. CIVIL SUIT NO.62 (Sixty Two) OF 1936(Nineteen Thirty Six) & JUDGMENT IN FIRST APPEAL NO.466 (Four Hundred Sixty Six/ 1937(Nineteen Thirty Seven) BY HON’BLE ALLAHABAD HIGH COURT REPORTED IN 1942 (Nineteen Forty Two) SCC ONLINE ALLAHABAD PAGE-56(Fifty six)

44. That one Deen Mohd filed Civil Suit No.62 (Sixty Two) of

1936 (Nineteen hundred Thirty Six) without impleading any

member of Hindu community but impleading only the Secretary

of State for India through District Magistrate, Benares and

Anjuman Intajamia Masajid, Benares through Secretary for

granting declaration that the land bearing No.9130 (Nine

Thousand One hundred Sixty) situated in the city and District

Benaras measuring 1 (One) Bhigha 9 (Nine) Biswa and 6 (Six)

Dhurs together with enclosure all round described in the plaint

was Waqf in possession of that plaintiff and other Musalmans

had right to say their prayers specially Alvida prayers and to

exercise other religious and legal rights as the need and occasion

arise.

29

45. That it is submitted that the Muslims had filed above mentioned

suit only for declaration without seeking any consequential

relief. This suit was filed even without impleading any person

from Hindu community. Therefore, the judgment passed in the

suit is not binding upon any member of Hindu community but

any document, map, evidence or statement of any witness can be

referred to or relied upon by the members of Hindu community.

46. That in Civil Suit No. 62 (Sixty Two) of 1936 (Nineteen Thirty

Six) on behalf of the Secretary of State for India in Council the

written statement was filed stating that :-

In paragraph 2 (Two) it has been stated that “The entire plot of

land on which the Mosque, ‘pacucca’ courtyard stray grave,

staircase in front of gate, together with ‘pucca’ enclosures all

around and a ‘pipal’ tree stand belongs to Government and has

never been dedicated nor could have been dedicated to the

Mosque.”

In paragraph 11 (Eleven) it has been stated that:- …..The idols

and the temple which stand there exist since long before the

advent of the Mohammadan Rule in India. The other allegations

made in the said paragraph are denied. It is submitted that the

non-Muslims have been using the land for their religious

purposes as a matter of right and have got a right of way over it.

The allegation that they were permitted by persons in-charge of

the Mosque is unfounded and baseless.

In Paragraph 12 (Twelve) it has been stated that:- ………The

land in question was ever stamped with the character of ‘Waqf’

land. It was never dedicated to God, nor could it have been

dedicated and God has no proprietary interest. ………… further

that -

30

The Mohammadans of that time or for the matter of that

Aurangzeb himself was not the owner of the site in which the

old temple of Vishwanath existed and which was demolished by

Aurangzeb owing to the religious antipathy, hence it could not

have been dedicated according to the true spirit of the

Mohammadan faith”

47. That in R.S. No. 62 (Sixty Two) of 1936 (Nineteen Thirty Six)

on behalf of defendant no. 2 (Two) i.e. The Secretary of State

for India examined a number of witnesses namely (i) Gauri

Shankar, (ii) B. Mangala Prasad, (iii) Pandit Madho Ram Saud,

(iv) Jagannath Prasad Mehta, (v) Dawrka Das, (vi) Lakshmi

Dass, (vii) B. Madho Prasad, (viii) Vinay Nand Tewari, (ix)

Ramesh Chandra De, (x) Ram Mohan Bhatia, (xi) M. Chandu

Lal, (xii) Raghunandan Upadhya, (xiii) Dr. Parmatma Saran,

(xiv) Dr. A.S. Altekar, (xv) Hari Prasad Das. From the statement

of witnesses it is clear that:-

(i) The worship of Goddess Shringar Gauri and other deities

were being performed in the precincts of old temple.

(ii) Avi Mukteshwar was being worshiped by its place. He was

in invisible form there. Parikrama of Avi Mukteshwar was

being undertaken by the devotees.

(iii) Sringar Gauri was situated near Punch Mandap and was

being worshiped there. There were Gyan Madap, Mukit

Mandap, Varoj Manap, Shobha Mandap and Sringar

Mandap.

(iv) Markeshewar is underground and in invisible form and is

worshiped by devotees.

(v) Hindus are owners of whole land and entire land inside the

boundary wall is in the possession of Hindus.

31

(vi) Panch Kosi Parikrima was being undertaken by devotees.

(vii) Pooja and worship of deities was going on within the old

temple complex and entire area had the character of Hindu

place of Worship.

(viii) Hindus have been worshipping the Asthan and also

invisible deities according to Shastrik provisions.

(ix) Despite the fact that old temple could be partly demolished

and in haphazard manner a construction had been raised

during the regime of Aurangzeb but in fact no Mosque was

constructed and the place in question could not be a Waqf

property and the construction raised by Muslims by no

stretch of imagination could be termed as Mosque.

48. That the statement made by witnesses relating to the Asthan Adi

Visheshwar and Goddess Sringar Gauri was not challenged from

the Muslim side. Therefore, from the evidence it is clear that

Goddess Sringar Gauri is existing from the time immemorial

within the campus of ancient temple and is being worshipped

throughout. It is also proved that the Asthan Adi Visheshwar is

being worshiped continuously by devotees.

49. That Ld. Civil Judge in the judgment has held that:-

“It appears from the orders that the shrine of Gauri Ji has

been recognized to the West since long, that there was the

deity of Bir Bhadeshwar to the North East in 1843

(Eighteen hundred Forty Three), that there is the place of

Abhi Mukteshwar to the North recognized in 1899

(Eighteen Ninety Nine)…..”

50. That Deen Mohammed aggrieved with the judgment of the Trial

Court filed First Appeal No.466 (Four hundred Sixty Six) of

32

1937 (Nineteen Thirty Seven) which was dismissed by Hon’ble

Allahabad High Court, reported in 1942 (Nineteen Forty Two)

SCC ONLINE ALLAHABAD PAGE-56 (Fifty Six).

J. SOVEREIGN ACT- KASHI VISHWANATH ACT:

51. That demolition of the temple in the year 1669 (Sixteen hundred

Sixty Nine) was a Sovereign act. However Lord Adi

Visheshwar, the deity alongwith other deities is continuing as

De-Jure owner of the property in question. After the fall of

Mughal Empire the property in question came under the control

of New British Sovereign and after 1950 (Nineteen Fifty) it

came within the sovereign jurisdiction of the State of Uttar

Pradesh in accordance with Article 294 (Two hundred Ninety

Four) of the Constitution of India.

52. That the subsequent sovereign i.e. the British Government did

not recognize the legal existence of the alleged Mosque in

question and denied the rights of Muslims over the property in

question as is evident from the written statement filed on behalf

of Secretary of State for India in Council in Civil Suit No. 62

(Sixty Two) of 1936 (Nineteen Thirty Six) in Court.

53. That the State of Uttar Pradesh exercising its sovereign power

passed U.P. Act No.29 (Twenty Nine) of 1983 (Nineteen Eighty

Three), known as the Uttar Pradesh Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Act,1983 (Nineteen Eighty Three) thereby defining the temple

as:-

Section 4 (Four) (9) (Nine) “Temple” means the Temple of

Adi Visheshwar, popularly known as Sri Kashi Vishwanath

Temple, situated in the City of Varanasi which is used as a

place of public religious worship, and dedicated to or for the

benefit of or used as of right by the Hindus, as a place of

public religious worship of the Jyotirlinga and includes all

33

subordinate temples, shrines, sub-shrines and the Asthan of

all other images and deities, mandaps, wells, tanks and other

necessary structures and land appurtenant thereto and

additions which may be made thereto after the appointed

date;

54. That the U.P. State Legislature has recognized the deity ‘Adi

Visheshwar’ Jyotirling in its original form alongwith subsidiary

deities existing from the time immemorial within old temple

complex and the right of devotees to worship there. The entire

property including “property in question” i.e. old temple complex

vested in deity Adi Visheshwar is to be managed by Board of

Trustees. It is the duty of the State Government and the Board of

Trustees to recover the entire property belonging to and dedicated

to ‘Adi Visheshwar’ and the ‘Asthan’ which has been usurped and

encroached upon by Anjumn Intazamia Masaajid Committee and

its supporters and followers.

55. That the property in question vests in the Board of Trustees

constituted under U.P. Kashi Vishwanath Temple Act,1983

(Nineteen Eighty Three). The Board is under obligation to

manage the property in question. It is obligatory for the Waqf

Board to hand over possession of the property to the temple

trust.

56. That the worship of Lord Shiva, Goddess Shringar Gauri, Lord

Ganesh and other deities is continuing within the property in

question. The administration imposed hard conditions for the

worshippers in the year 1993 (Nineteen Ninety Three) with a

view to appease Muslim community. In the year 2000-01 (Two

Thousand-One) the administration in the name of maintaining

law and order situation permit Hindus to perform pooja only

during fourth day of Vasantik Navratras.

34

57. That the Asthan of lingam vest in Adi Visheshwar upto 5 (Five)

Kos (Krosh) Parikrama Marg i.e. in a circle around the lingam.

No person has right to raise any construction adverse to the

interest of deity Adi Visheshwar and therefore, the construction

raised is liable to be removed and the worship of deity is liable

to be restored within the property in question.

58. That under Hindu law which is applied in India from much

before BC Era, it is well recognized that once the property has

vested in deity the same will continue to be His property in

perpetuity and deity can never be divested from its property. As

mentioned in the preceding paragraphs there are idols and object

of worship within the property in question and the temple has

not lost its religious character at any point of time.

59. That Muslims never got proprietary right over the property in

question. None of the Muslim has so far dedicated the land to

the God for the simple reason that the property belongs to deity.

The deity will not lose its rights only for the reason that during

foreign rule the temple was substantially damaged as the right of

the deity over the property is never lost and the right of

worshippers to perform pooja of the deity and the Asthan is

protected under Hindu Law.

K. IF WAQF EVER CREATED:

60. That the property in question does not belong to any Waqf. The

property had already vested in deity Adi Visheshwar lakhs of

years before the start of British Calendar year and is continuing

to be the property of deity. No Waqf can be created on the land

already vesting in a deity. In the historical books written during

the Mughal regime and thereafter even Muslim historians have

not claimed that Aurangzeb after demolishing the temple

structure of Adi Visheshwar had created any Waqf or thereafter

35

any member of Muslim community or Ruler was dedicated such

property to Waqf.

61. That the Waqf Board has no power or jurisdiction to register any

part of the property in question as Waqf property and such

registration cannot change the nature of the property from Hindu

Temple into a Mosque and notification if any, issued by Waqf

board registering the property in question as Waqf property is

ultra vires, null and void.

62. That a Mosque can be constructed over the property dedicated

by waqif, who should be the owner of the property. A

construction raised under the orders of any Muslim ruler or by

any Muslim over the land of a temple cannot be construed as

Mosque. A Waqf can be created only on the land dedicated to

Waqf by wakif who is owner of the land. In the instant case it is

clear that from the time memorial the land and property belong

to the deity and therefore there can be no Mosque thereat.

63. That from the on 15th (Fifteenth) August 1947 (Nineteen Forty

Seven) the character of the property in question was of Hindu

Temple as the images of plaintiff deities and along with other

associate deities was there and they were being worshiped.

64. That if any super structure has been created over the Temple

land, by Muslims, same will be only a structure and cannot

acquire the status of a Mosque for the reason that over a Hindu

Temple already vested in the deity, no construction can be raised

and such construction cannot change the nature of Temple

property.

L. Hindu and Mohammedan Law

L/1 Hindu Law:-

65. That the juristic personality of the deity under Hindu law has

been explained by the apex Court in famous Ayodhya Case

36

reported in 2019 (Twenty Nineteen) (15) (fifteen) Scale page 1

(One). Some paras from judgment are being extracted below-

Para 115 (One hundred fifteen)

“A Hindu may make an endowment for a religious purpose.

There is a public interest in protecting the properties

endowed and ensuring that the original pious purpose of the

dedicator is fulfilled. The law confers legal personality on

this pious purpose. However, as Chief Justice B.K.

Mukherjea notes, it is the idol, as the material manifestation

of the juristic person which is “looked upon” as the centre

in which the property vests. The idol as an embodiment of a

pious or benevolent purpose is recognized by the law as a

juristic entity. The State will therefore protect property

which stands vested in the idol even absent the

establishment of a specific or express trust. The pious

purpose or “benevolent idea” is elevated to the status of a

juristic person and the idol forms the material expression of

the pious purpose through which legal relations are

affected. It is the pious purpose at the heart of the

dedication which is the basis of conferring legal personality

on the idol and which is the subject of rights and duties. The

need to confer juristic personality arises out of the need for

legal certainty as to who owns the dedicated property, as

well as the need to protect the original intention of the

dedicator and the future interests of the devotees. It was

open for courts to even confer the personality on the

community of devotees in certain situations, but the idol is

chosen as a centre for legal relations as the physical

manifestation of the pious purpose.”

Para 116 (One hundred Sixteen)

37

“……………The idol constitutes the embodiment or

expression of the pious purpose upon which legal

personality is conferred. The destruction of the idol does

not result in the termination of the pious purpose and

consequently the endowment. Even where the idol is

destroyed, or the presence of the idol itself is intermittent or

entirely absent, the legal personality created by the

endowment continues to subsist. In our country, idols are

routinely submerged in water as a matter of religious

practice. It cannot be said that the pious purpose is also

extinguished due to such submersion. The establishment of

the image of the idol is the manner in which the pious

purpose is fulfilled. A conferral of legal personality on the

idol is, in effect, a recognition of the pious purpose itself

and not the method through which that pious purpose is

usually personified. The pious purpose may also be fulfilled

where the presence of the idol is intermittent or there exists

a temple absent an idol depending on the deed of

dedication. In all such cases the pious purpose on which

legal personality is conferred continues to subsist.”

L/2 MUSLIM LAW:-

66. The principles of Mohammedan Law have been compiled by Sir

Dinshaw Fardunji Mulla wherein the provisions of Islamic have

been enumerated. In the 21st (Twenty First) edition of the book

the subject AUQAF relating to provisions for creating Waqf has

been given. The followings paragraphs relevant for the propose

are being reproduce below:-

173. Waqf as defined in the Waf Act:-

Waqf means the permanent (174) (One hundred Seventy

Four) dedication by a person professing the Musalman

38

faith of any property (175) (One hundred Seventy Five)-

177) (One hundred Seventy Seven) for any purpose

recognized by the Musalman law as religious, pious or

charitable (178) (One hundred Seventy eight).

176. Subject of Waqf must belong to waqif:-

The property dedicated by way of Waqf must belong to the

waqif (dedicator) at the time of dedication. A person who

is in fact the owner of the property but is under the belied

that he is only a mutawalli thereof is competent to make a

valid Waqf of the property. What is to be seen in such

cases is whether or not that person had a power of

disposition over the property.

188. Waqf by immemorial user:-

If land has been used from time immemorial for a religious

purpose, e.g., for a mosque, or a burial ground or for the

maintenance of a Mosque, then the land is Waqf by user

although there is no evidence of an express dedication.

67. That a Waqf can be created only on the land dedicated by a

waqif who is owner of the land. It is apparent that entire land

vested in the deity Lord Adi Visheshwar and He is the owner of

the property in question which was usurped by Aurangzeb in the

capacity of a ruler. The property did not belong to him. In any

case there is no evidence that the property was dedicated to the

almighty.

68. That the alleged GayanVapi Mosque is only a structure and same

cannot be regarded as Mosque. The another aspect is that the

disputed construction has not been erected over any Waqf

property. The principle Waqf by user cannot be applicable as the

alleged Gyan Vapi Mosque was constructed after demolishing a

39

Hindu temple after 1669 (Sixteen Sixty Nine) at the same very

place and the date of construction of alleged Mosque is well

known.

M. PLACES OF WORSHIP (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 (Nineteen Ninety One)

69. That Parliament passed an Act known as Places of Worship Act,

1991 (Nineteen Ninety One) (hereinafter referred to as P.W.

Act). Section 2 (Two), 3 (Three) and 4 (Four) of the Act, are

being reproduced below:-

“2. Definitions.—In this Act, unless the context otherwise

requires,—

(a) “commencement of this Act” means the commencement of

this Act on the 11th (Eleventh) day of July, 1991 (Nineteen

Ninety One);

(b) “conversion”, with its grammatical variations, includes

alteration or change of whatever nature;

(c) “place of worship” means a temple, mosque, gurudwara,

church, monastery or any other place of public religious worship

of any religious denomination or any section thereof, by

whatever name called.

3. Bar of conversion of places of worship.—

No person shall convert any place of worship of any

religious denomination or any section thereof into a place of

worship of a different section of the same religious

denomination or of a different religious denomination or any

section thereof.

4. Declaration as to the religious character of certain places of

worship and bar of jurisdiction of courts, etc.—

40

(1) It is hereby declared that the religious character of a place of

worship existing on the 15th (Fifteenth) day of August, 1947

(Nineteen Forty Seven) shall continue to be the same as it

existed on that day.

(2) If, on the commencement of this Act, any suit, appeal or

other proceeding with respect to the conversion of the religious

character of any place of worship, existing on the 15th

(Fifteenth) day of August, 1947 (Nineteen Forty Seven), is

pending before any court, tribunal or other authority, the same

shall abate, and no suit, appeal or other proceeding with respect

to any such matter shall lie on or after such commencement in

any court, tribunal or other authority: Provided that if any suit,

appeal or other proceeding, instituted or filed on the ground that

conversion has taken place in the religious character of any such

place after the 15th (Fifteenth) day of August, 1947 (Nineteen

Forty Seven), is pending on the commencement of this Act, such

suit, appeal or other proceeding shall be disposed of in

accordance with the provisions of sub-section (1) (One).

(3) Nothing contained in sub-section (1) (One) and sub-section

(2) (Two) shall apply to,—

(a) any place of worship referred to in the said sub-sections

which is an ancient and historical monument or an

archaeological site or remains covered by the Ancient

Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958

(Nineteen Fifty Eight) or any other law for the time being in

force;

(b) any suit, appeal or other proceeding, with respect to any

matter referred to in sub-section (2) (Two), finally decided,

settled or disposed of by a court, tribunal or other authority

before the commencement of this Act;

41

(c) any dispute with respect to any such matter settled by the

parties amongst themselves before such commencement;

(d) any conversion of any such place effected before such

commencement by acquiescence;

(e) any conversion of any such place effected before such

commencement which is not liable to be challenged in any court,

tribunal or other authority being barred by limitation under any

law for the time being in force.”

70. That in view of the provisions contained in the Act the Court has

to visualize as to what was the religious character of the place in

question on 15.08.1947 (Fifteen Eight Nineteen Forty Seven)

and whether it was a place of Hindu or Muslim worship or

putting a super structure can convert a temple into a mosque or

vice versa.

71. That to find out the religious character of the property in

question, one has to take into consideration the historical and

religious background of the entire Avimukt Area and also the

nature of construction raised by Muslims thereat and the fact

that deities continued to exist within the building complex were

being worshiped by devotees and the sentimental attachment of

the devotees with the deities and the Asthan and fact that

worshippers have been undertaking Panch Koshi Parikrama daily

around the entire building complex performing all the rituals.

72. That in Section 4 (Four) of the P.W. Act the Parliament has

purposely used the word “religious character”, to mean that the

Temple, Mosque, Church , Gurudwara etc. should have been

constructed according to tenets of the religion without

encroaching upon the land of another faith.

42

73. That Section 4(4) (Four) (Four) of the P.W. Act provides that the

religious character of a place of a worship existing on

15.08.1947 (Fifteenth Eight Ninety Forty Seven) shall continue

to be the same as existed on that day.

N – Religious Character of the Place of Worship in

question

74. That from the narration of the facts and available evidences it is

clear that Asthan of Adi Visheshwar Jyotirlingam is being

worshiped in a radius of 5 (Five) Kos (Krosh) and the entire area

is sacred for the devotees of Lord Visheshwar and the entire 5

(Five) Kos (Krosh) area is essential and integral part of worship

over which the deity exists from the time immemorial.

75. That if any portion of a temple is demolished under the orders of

a ruler i.e. the sovereign of the time and a super structure is put

thereon, the same will not change the religious character of the

shrine.

76. That in this case it is historically proved that Aurangzeb, the

ruler in the series of Moughal invaders, got demolished upper

portion of temple of Adi Visheshwar at the property in question

in 1669 (Sixteen Sixty Nine) and thereafter a construction was

raised on the first floor in the madness of power, which Muslims

call ‘Gyan Vapi Mosque” but pooja and worship in other part of

the temple complex including of the deity Goddess Maa Shringar

Gauri, Lord Ganesh, Lord Sun and other God and Goddess

continued within the old temple premises and throughout in the

entire Shivlinagm area of 5 (Five) Kos (Krosh).

77. That the evidence recorded in Civil Suit no. 62 (Sixty Two) of

1936 (Nineteen Thirty Six) reflects that the entire area of 5

43

(Five) Kos (Krosh) was having religious character of Sanatan

Dharma.

78. That it has been proved by the witnesses that worship of Gauri

Shankar, Tarkeshwar, Nand Kesheswar, Mahaoleshwar beneath

the “Pipal tree”at south east corner over the chabutra, then Gyan

Vyapi well, Ganesh Ji known as Madadi Panch Vinayak then

Maheshwar under third pipal tree then Mukteshwar in a hidden

place and the south west corner then worship of Sringar Gauri in

the western chabutra in the wall of the Khandhar then panch

Mandap near Shringar Gauri then Ganesh ji image imbedded in

the wall then Chandreshwar in the corner i.e. north west corner

and thereafter worship of Avimukteshwar in hidden form at the

northern gate over the chabutra was undertaken by devotees.

79. That it has also been proved by the witnesses that after

worshiping the deities in visible and invisible form the devotees

were circumambulating five Kos (Krosh) Parikarma Marg.

80. That the building during the regime of Aurangzeb was

constructed over the pillar existing in the old temple. One of the

witness in former suit has deposed that ‘over the pillars there are

still images of Trishul, Chandrama and other Hindu symbols. In

the ceiling stones there are bell mark, ‘Churi’marks and flower

too.’

81. That in the former suit witnesses have also deposed that ‘there

are special forms of idol and also in hidden form, hidden form

means that the idol is inside the ground. There is Gyan Mandap,

Mukti Mandap, Varoj Mandap, Sobha Mandap, Sringar Mandap

all these five together is called Panch Mandap. The Panch

Mandap exists within Khandhar.’

44

82. That Avi Mukteshwar is worshiped there as Asthan.

Markendeshwar is also hidden underground since ancient times.

According to Khashi Khand there are hidden deities at the place

in question. In Khandhar area there is image of Lord Ganesh.

83. That the witnesses have also deposed in Suit No. 62 (Sixty Two)

of 1936 (Nineteen Thirty Six) regarding the manner in which

devotees were performing pooja and observing rituals within the

old temple compound and outside and within the area of five

Kos (Krosh) Parikrama Marg. It is has been stated that devotees

undertake Ant Grahi Parikrama, and also Panch Kos (Krosh)i

Parikrama. The witness Gauri Shankar has stated that Panch

Kos (Krosh)i Parikrama commences in the following manner:-

(i) “First they bathe at Manikanika. Then they go to

Vishwanathji Annuprurna, Dhundhraj Ganesh and then go

to Gyan Vapi, and there they rest in Vishram Mandap, and

there they take the ‘Sankalapa’ and then they take vow of

silence and start on the Panch Kosi (Krosh) Parikaram.

There is Vyas Gaddi inside the ‘Baradari’ near the well and

there the pilgrim rests and takes the vow. Thus Panch Kosi

(Krosh) Commences from this place. After the ‘Sankalpa’

they go round the ‘mandap’, i.e. the ‘baradari’ and then go

over the floor to the Shringar Gauri Panch Mandap etc., and

then by the same eastern gate they go to the Mankanika side

aand there drink water thrice and give up the vow of silence

and they go by the Ganges bank and then after five day’s

walk round Benares they again reach Mankanika and from

there they go to Viswanathji.”

(ii) The other witnesses whose names have been mentioned

above have also stated the same facts as was stated by Gauri

Shankar. All witnesses have confirmed the ongoing pooja of

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the Asthan, Goddess Sringar Gauri, Lord Ganesh and of

existing visible and non visible deities and about the

Parikram being undertaken of the entire place by the

devotees.

(iii) In the said statement it has also come in the evidence that

‘Thahkahana’ in the southern side was in possession of

Hindus and managed by collector.

(iv) In the said suit it is also come in the evidence that there

were shops at the northern gate of the compound. There is

‘Naubat Khana’ of the old temple above it. Generally

Naubat Khanas are on the gates of temples and its doors

open in three sides.

(v) It has also come in the statement of witnesses that in the old

temple area Hindus go there for worship throughout the day

from 3:00 (Three) Am to 12:00 (Twelve) Hours in the

Night.

(vi) In substance the witnesses have confirmed that:-

‘The worship is done all over the compound. The deities

Goddess Sringar Gauri, Lord Ganesh Lord Sun, Nandiji and

Gyanvyapi including Gangeshwar, Shiva Parvati,

Tarkeshwar, Badri Narayan, Panch Mandapa and invisible

Gods were being worshiped within the old temple complex.

Many places are worshiped because Gods existed there and

of some gods the marks are in the walls. The wall in which

the marks of the Gods is to the west.’ For the old Vishwanath

also the Gyan Vapi well is worshiped.

(vii) The witnesses have also stated that land of old temple

belongs to the Government. The western Khandahar belongs

to Government.

46

(viii) To the south of the alleged Gyan Vapi Mosque there is

underground cell which is in possession of Hindus.

(ix) In the said suit Dr. A.S. Altekar who was head of

Department of Ancient Indian History and Culture in

Benaras Hindu University also appeared as witness. He

stated has that ‘Hindu used to visit these ruins and to pay

their obeisance to the empty sanctuaried of Vishwanath and

other gods there. They followed the theory of ‘Sthan

mahapuraj’ sanctity of the place and were satisfied with this

procedure.

(x) Dr. A. S. Altekar has firmly deposed that :-

“The photo of Singar Gauri is Exhibit 20. (Twenty)

Photo of Exhibit 21 (Twenty One) is of what at

present is worshiped as Panch Mandap. At present

Panch Vinayks are worshiped near the Gyan Vapi.”

(xi) In Substance the witnesses have confirmed that around

1937 (Nineteen Thirty Seven) the place in question had

Hindu religious character. The same position of the place in

question continued upto 1947 (Nineteen Forty Seven) and

thereafter and it was and is having the religious character of

Hindu place of Worship.

84. That on the basis of un-rebutted oral evidence recorded in Civil

Suit No. 62 (Sixty Two) of 1936 (Nineteen Thirty Six) and other

evidences it is clear that on 15.08.1947 (Fifteen Eight Nineteen

Forty Seven) and till date the property in question has Hindu

religious place of worship. Even if Muslims have encroached

upon the land and raised a super structure over a small area of

the temple complex, the same will not change the religious

character of temple. It may be pointed out that encroacher can

47

never take advantage of its illegal action. The illegality cannot

be allowed to perpetuate.

85. That it is pertinent to mention that in Civil Suit No. 637 (Six

Hundred Thirty Seven) of 1996 (Nineteen Ninety Six), which

was dismissed in default on 06.12.2014 (Six Twelve Twenty

Fourteen), by an order passed by Civil Judge Varanasi, an

advocate commissioner appointed by the Ld. Civil Judge had

made spot inspection on 30.07.1996 (Thirty Seven Nineteen

Ninety Six), and had submitted its report in the Court. He has

confirmed that the remains of demolished structure were visible.

In western side after closing three doors and over the debris of

demolished structure another structure like mosque have been

raised. In the western side in the shape of chabutra the materials

of demolished structure are present. Towards the western side it

was told and apparent pooja of lord Ganesh, Sringar Gauri and

other deities was being performed. The Parikarama Path

(circumambulation) road was there in the southern side there

was Tahakhana beneath the big Chabutara in front of which

Gyanvyapi Koop (Well), Nandiji, Gauri Shankar, Maheshwar

after Parikrama Path where there. In the Southern side there was

cellar (Tahkhana) and there was small gate for entering into it.

One key of Tahkhana was with plaintiff no. 2 (Two) (Som Nath

Vyas) who opened the lock. There was another lock put by the

administration and they refused to open the lock for want of the

direction. The Parikrama path was there and due to new

barricading hindrance was being created towards southern side.

86. That from the facts stated in the preceding paragraphs it is

abundantly clear that the property in question has

uninterruptedly continues the character of Hindu place of

48

worship. Therefore, section 4 (Four) of the Places of Worship

Act can be applied in favor of temple and devotees.

87. That the old temple and Asthan is dedicated to Lord Shiva and

the entire temple complex vest in the deity from ancient times

i.e. from thousands of years much before the Islamic rule. It is

well established principle of Hindu law that property vested in

the deity shall continue to be the property of deity and even no

ruler can take possession of such property. In case, if any person

or Ruler showing the might of power or muscle power has

usurped the property of deity, the same will not confer any right

to him and the ownership will revert back to the deity as soon as

such cloud is vanished.

88. That the property in question is not a Waqf property for the

simple reason that as per Hindu Law the property vested in the

deity shall continue the deity property. A mosque can be

constructed only on a Waqf property. Waqf can be created by a

waqif who is the owner of the property. In this case Aurangzeb,

did not create any Waqf and did not bequeath the property in

question to the God. Therefore, the construction in question

cannot be even presumed to be a mosque.

89. That in view of the facts of this case, the property in question

continues to be a Hindu place of worship.

O – Ownership of the property in question

90. That the entire property in the radius of 5 (five) Kos (Krosh)

vest in the Asthan Adi Visheshwar from the time immemorial

and deity is the owner of entire land and property. Deity

continues to be De-Jure owner of the property in question

49

despite the fact that during the regime of Aurangzeb a portion of

the temple complex was demolished and a super structure was

raised thereat which is claimed to be a Mosque by Muslims. The

action of taking forcible possession of a religious place cannot

change the nature of property and also the ownership rights of

the existing deity.

91. That it is apparent that Kashi Vishwanath Act has recognized the

right of deity over the property and after the enforcement of the

Act it is the duty of the State Government and the Trust Board to

restore the deities in the old temple complex with all honor and

dignity.

92. That at present no Shebait is working to look after and manage

the property of deity in the old temple complex and the Trust

Board as well as U.P. Government have not taken steps to

implement the provisions of Kashi Vishwanath Act and now it is

the duty of the devotees and worshippers to take appropriate

remedy by filling the suit for the reliefs claimed in this suit.

P. THE VALIDITY OF PLACES OF WORSHIP (SPECIAL PROVISIONS) ACT, 1991 (NINETEEN NINETY ONE)

93. That Parliament has no power to make any law which takes

away or abridges the rights conferred by Article 25 (Twenty

Five) of the Constitution of India. Section 4 (Four) of the Act

infringes the right to religion of Hindus as their right to remedy

to approach the court has been taken away by PW Act and

therefore, Section 4 (four) of the Act is ultra vires and void.

94. That it is submitted that section 4 (Four) of the Act, 1991

(Nineteen Ninety One) is ultra vires as it infringes the rights of

Hindu community guaranteed under Article 14 (Fourteen), 15

(Fifteen), 25 (Twenty Five) and 29 (Twenty Nine) of the

50

Constitution of India. Section 4 (Four) of the Act is ultra vires

and is not enforceable due to the following reasons:-

(i) The provisions of Section 4 (Four) of the Act are against

the basic concept of secularism. Secular state means that

state will not show any favor or inclination towards any

community and there will be equal standard for all.

(ii) It is the duty of the State that every atrocities committed in

pre-independence era should be remedied according to the

procedure established by law and illegal actions, damage

of religious property and distortion of cultural heritage be

not legalized and such legalization would be negation of

the principles of a secular state.

(iii) A sovereign republic governed by rule of law is not

supposed to bent before a religious community due to fear

or favor and such an action is disastrous for the

governance of the country affecting the sentiments of

present and future generation leading to haunt the mind of

the subjects of the country to understand that still we are

slaves of those who had trampled our culture and we are

helpless to restore our cultural heritage.

(iv) Section 4 (Four) is irrational, illogical, discriminatory and

violates Article 14 (Fourteen) of the Constitution of India.

(v) Section 4 (Four) validates the barbaric, merciless, cruel,

illegal, immoral, unethical, inhuman actions of invaders

and same is against the concept of constitutional morality

as interpreted by the apex court.

(vi) Encroachment of land, desecration of Temples, Mutts and

Trust property are continuing wrong and same cannot be

51

legalized and the basic right of the citizen to approach the

court cannot be taken away.

(vii) Right to worship in the temple and maintenance of

religious property flows from Articles 25 (Twenty Five)

and 26 (Twenty Six) of the Constitution of India.

(viii) Parliament has no legislative power to enact any law

closing the doors for judicial review.

(ix) By enacting section 4 (Four), Parliament having no power

or jurisdiction has barred right and remedy of Hindus

against encroachment made on their religious places

exercising might of power by followers of another faith.

(x) The right to seek judicial remedy against a wrong or

illegal action is the very facet of rule of law within the

ambit of Article 14 (Fourteen) of the Constitution of India.

The Parliament by making provision in Section 4 (Four) of

the impugned Act has transgressed its legislative power in

barring remedy of judicial review, which is the basic

feature of the Constitution, available to an aggrieved

person against the wrong committed by encroachers.

(xi) Hindu law is a ‘law in force’ within the meaning of Article

372 (Three hundred Seventy Two) (1) (One) of the

Constitution of India at the commencement of the

Constitution.

(xii) Section 4 (Four) of the impugned Act is ultra virus to

Article 14 (Fourteen), 15 (Fifteen) (1) (One), 25 (Twenty

Five), 26 (Twenty Six) and 29 (Twenty Nine) of the

Constitution of India and same is void under Article 13

(Thirteen) (2) (Two) of the Constitution of India.

52

(xiii) Any order, Rule, Regulation, Custom and Usage having

the force of law running counter to Article 25 (Twenty

Five) and 26 (Twenty Six) of the Constitution of India at

the commencement of the Constitution of India have

become void by virtue of Article 13 (Thirteen) (1) (One)

of the Constitution of India.

(xiv) The construction of any religious structure at the religious

place of deity under any order oral or written passed by

any Ruler before 15th August 1947 (Fifteen August, Ninety

Forty Seven) has become void and nonest by virtue of the

injunction embodied in Article 13 (Thirteen) (1) (One) of

the Constitution of India.

(xv) The right to religion guaranteed under Article 25 (Twenty

Five) of the Constitution of India protects the right of

Hindus which was existing in pre independent era but

usurped exercising might of power and possession

obtained of any place of worship by illegal means becomes

nonest and such religious places have to be restored.

(xvi) Hindu law that deity is immortal and never dies and

property once vested in the deity continues to the deity

property is protected by Article 25 (Twenty Five) of the

Constitution of India.

(xvii) Parliament has no power or jurisdiction to negate Hindu

Law protected by Article 25 (Twenty Five) of the

Constitution of India and cannot interfere with rights of

Hindus as enshrined in Vedas, Shartras, Upnishads,

Smrities and other scripture having the force of law.

(xviii) The citizens of country have fundamental right and duty as

well to protect religious and cultural heritage.

53

(xix) Section 4 of impugned Act violates the fundamental rights

of Hindus conferred by Article 14 (Fourteen), 15 (Fifteen)

(1) (One), 25 (Twenty Five), 26 (Twenty Six) and 29

(Twenty Nine) (1) (One) of the Constitution of India.

(xx) Impugned Act curtails the right of Hindus to claim

possession of their religious and cultural properties whereas

for waqf properties there is no law of limitation for

claiming possession.

(xxi) The impugned Act is discriminatory in so for the Ayodhya

dispute was excluded from the ambit of the Act and there is

no intelligible criteria to keep out other religious property

from judicial purview.

(xxii) By the impugned Act Hindus have been discriminated

before law in violation of provisions contained in Article 14

(Fourteen) and 15 (Fifteenth) (1) (One) of the Constitution

of India.

(xxiii) Impugned Act violates the principle of secularism as same

has been made to curb right of Hindus for liberation of

cultural and religious places damaged/ destroyed before 15th

August 1947 (Fifteenth August, Ninety Forty Seven) even

through process of Court.

(xxiv) Act 1991 (Nineteen Ninety One) discriminates citizens on

the basis of religion and curtails the right of Hindus to seek

judicial remedy for restoration of their religious places and

temples whereas section 40 (Forty) of Waqf Act 1995

(Nineteen Ninety Five) empowers the Waqf Board to collect

information and believing any property even belonging to

trust and society as Waqf Property make a declaration to

that effect.

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(xxv) Waqf Act has not imposed any condition or period of

limitation for exercising the powers by the Waqf Board u/s

40 (Forty) of the Act. The result is that Waqf Board is

empowered to declare any property even after lapse of

Hundred of years to be Waqf property and can obtain

possession of such property in accordance with the

provisions contained u/s 52 (Fifty Two), 54 (Fifty Four) and

55 (Fifty Five) of the said Act.

(xxvi) It is astonishing that section 107 (One Hundred Seven) of

the Waqf Act provides that the provisions contained in The

Limitation Act, 1963 (Nineteen Sixty Three) for filling suits

for possession of immovable properties will not be

applicable to property comprised in any Waqf. The result is

that any property declared as Waqf property is immune

from the law of Limitation whereas same benefit is not

available to followers of non Islamic religion.

(xxvii) Section 107 (One Hundred Seven) of the Waqf Act is

discriminatory and is hit by Article 14 (Fourteen) and 15

(Fifteen) (1) (One) of the Constitution of India and is void

abinitio.

Q. Article 13 (Thirteenth) (1) (One) and Article 25 (Twenty Five) of the Constitution of India

95. That Article 13 (1) (Thirteen) (One) of the Constitution of India

declares that:-

“All laws in force in the territory of India immediately before

the commencement of this constitution insofar as they are

inconsistent with the provisions of this Part, shall, to the extent

of such inconsistency, be void.”

Article 13 (Thirteen) (2) (Two) declares that:--

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“The State shall not make any law which takes away or abridges

the rights conferred by this part and any law made in

contravention of this clause shall, to the extent of the

contravention, be void.”

Article 13 (Thirteen) (3) (Three) (a) provides that:-

“Law” includes any ordinance, order, bye-law, rule, regulation,

notification, custom or usage having in the territory of India the

force of law.

96. That in view of the provisions contained in Article 13 (1)

(Thirteen) (One) of the Constitution of India the order and action

of former ruler for demolishing the temple existing at the place

in question and taking possession forcibly of such religious

place has become void and inoperative.

97. That Parliament cannot legalize the illegal action of invader

which infringes religious rights of the citizens guaranteed under

Article 25 (Twenty Five) of the Constitution of India.

98. That the right to religion is exercisable as conferred by Article

25 (Twenty Five) of the Constitution is subject to the condition

that it should not be hampering morality, public order or health.

These concepts have to be interpreted in reverse form also,

which means, that the State or any citizen cannot be permitted to

promote anything which is immoral, against public order or

affects the sentiments or health of the public due to any

nefarious or other evils perpetuating or promoting a public

wrong to continue affecting the sentiments of the public,

religious ethos and supporting the immoral, cruel, barbarian and

other inhuman activities committed in the past during slave

period from which the citizens of the country wanted to get rid

off after the enforcement of the Constitution to which the

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citizens have given themselves on the solemn declaration made

in the preamble of the Constitution with the pious hope that they

will not to have face the tyranny of invaders in a sovereign

republic governed through democratic norms.

99. That it is duty of the State to maintain public order and not to

allow anything to happen which may create public disorder. The

State and its machinery due to political reasons for the lust of

power to woo a section of the society cannot support the

continuance of heart burning issues committed in the past

affecting the religious and cultural sentiments of the original

subjects of the country at the hands of invaders. Such an action

is bound to create dissatisfaction, chaos and disorder in the

minds of the suppressed class and the constitutional goal of

conferring right of equality, freedom of professing religion and

other ornamental rights enumerated in part-III to be illusory.

100. That it is matter of history that Hindus had to face wrath of

Islamic intolerance right from 1192 (Eleven Ninety Two) to

1707 (Seventeen Zero Seven) and thereafter, followed by

Britishers. Benares is abode of Lord Shiva where the Lord

himself appeared as Swyambhu deity and created 5 (Five) Kos

(Krosh) avimukteshwar area and jyotirlingam was established.

This place is sacred for Hindus from the time immemorial. The

Temple existing thereat was demolished by Muslim invaders. It

is submitted that Hindus cannot be compelled to suffer mental

and spiritual, shock continuously and same is bound to affect the

worldly and spiritual life of the masses for swallowing the

tyrannical, wicked and cruel act of invaders.

101. That in fact the Constitution of India by enacting Article 13

(Thirteen) (1) (One) of the Constitution has nullified all illegal

actions of invaders committed during 700 (Seven hundred) years

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of slavery. The intention is that subjects of the country must

realize that black days of history have gone. Therefore, the

cultural and religious places have to be restored.

102. That in view of the fact that the Plaintiffs and the devotees of

Lord Adi Visheshwar have fundamental right of religion

guaranteed by Article 25 (Twenty Five) of the Constitution and

same cannot be hampered by State or any person, every order or

action having the force of law violating such right is void under

Article 13(Thirteen) (1) (One) of the Constitution of India.

Therefore, the Plaintiffs are entitled for liberation of the Adi

Visheshwar shrine and restoration of religious rights over the

place in question.

103. That Indian Constitution is transformative and very purpose of

enacting Article 13(1) (Thirteen) (One) of the Constitution is

that the illegal, inhuman and barbaric orders, usages, practices

and any command issued by previous sovereigns which runs

counter to any provision of the Constitution including Article 25

(Twenty Five) be not continued as same have become void and

non-est. Parliament or State Legislature cannot legalize such

laws which curtails or infringes the fundamental rights of the

citizens. As such section 4 (Four) of the Act is void abnitio.

104. That the right to religion is spiritual right. The religion cannot

be divorced from life. It is inherent right. There is no embargo or

limitation for exercising such right. The right to religion accurse

everyday and every moment.

R. STATUTORY NOTICES:-

R/1. Notice to the Central and State Government:

105. That a notice under Section 80 (Eighty) of CPC to Government

of India and Government of Uttar Pradesh was sent through

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speed post on 19.11.2020 (Nineteen Eleven Twenty Twenty)

which was delivered to them on 23.11.2020 (Twenty Third

Eleven Twenty Twenty). A notice was sent to the Chief

Secretary of the Government of Uttar Pradesh through Speed

Post on 20.11.2020 (Twenty Eleven Twenty Twenty) which was

delivered him to on 23.11.2020(Twenty Three Eleven, Twenty

Twenty). A Notice was sent 03,12.2020 (Three Twelve Twenty

Twenty) to Government of India, Chief Secretary Uttar Pradesh,

Government of Uttar Pradesh, District Magistrate and Senior

Superintendent Police Varanasi Which was delivered on

07.12.2020 (Seven Twelve, Twenty Twenty) and 10.10.2020

(Ten Ten Twenty Twenty). No reply of the notice has been given

by concerned Defendants and they have not taken any steps in

pursuance of the notice.

R/2 Notice to the Waqf Board:

106. That a notice under Section 89 (Eighty Nine) of Waqf Act,1995

(Nineteen Ninety Five) was sent to U.P. Sunni Waqf Board

through speed post on 19.11.2020 (Nineteen Eleven Twenty

Twenty) and 3.12.2020 (Three Twelve Twenty Twenty) which

have been delivered on 23.11.2020 (Twenty Three Eleven,

Twenty Twenty) and 07.12.2020 (Seven Twelve, Twenty

Twenty) respectively to the addressee. No reply of the notice has

been given by concerned Defendant and they have not taken any

steps in pursuance of the notice.

S. Cause of Action:

107. That there is continuous wrong being committed by Defendants

No.5 (five) and 6 (Six). The State has not taken any steps to

restore the religious rights of the Plaintiffs. As such the cause of

action for filling the suit is continuing and also arose on

23.01.2021 (Twenty Three One Twenty Twenty One),

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7.02.2021(Seven Two Twenty Twenty One) and 10.02.2021

(Ten Two Twenty Twenty One) when two months time elapsed

and defendants failed to take action in the matter to redress the

grievance of the plaintiffs.

T. Court Fee:

108. That the property in suit is being used for religious purposes on

which no municipal tax is payable. The property in suit cannot

be valued in terms of Money. The suit is being field for decree

of Declaration and Injunction. The valuation of the suit is fixed

at Rs. 15,00,000 /- (Fifteen Lakhs) for the purposes of court fee

and pecuniary Jurisdiction of the Court. The description of

payment of court fee is being given herein below:-

Srl No. Nature of relief Valuation Court fee paid 1 For declaration Relief No. 1 Rs. 15,00,000

/- (Fifteen Lakhs)

Rs. 200/- (Two Hundred)

2 For declaration Relief No. 2 Rs. 15,00,000 /- (Fifteen Lakhs)

Rs.200/ (Two Hundred)

3 For Perpetual Injunction Relief No. 3

Rs. 15,00,000 /- (Fifteen Lakhs)

Rs.500/ (Five hundred)

4 For Mandatory Injunction to State Government and the Board of Trustees

Rs. 15,00,000 /- (Fifteen Lakhs)

Rs.500/- (Five hundred)

5.

Total Court Fee paid - Rs.1400/- (One Thousand Four Hundred Only )

PRAYER

It is therefore, respectfully prayed that Hon’ble Court may pleased to:-

A. Pass a decree in the nature of declaration declaring that the

worshippers of Maa Goddess Shringar Gauri, Goddess Maa

Ganga, Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganeshji, Nandiji alongwith Lord

Adi Visheshwar are entitled to have Darshan, Pooja and Worship

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of deities within the area of Settlement Plot No.9130 (Nine

Thousand One Hundred Thirty), measuring about 1(One) Bhiga,

9 (Nine) Biswas and 6 (Six) Dhoors situated at Dashashwamedh

in the heart of City of Varanasi, Ward and Police Station

Dashashwamedh;

B. Pass a decree in the nature of declaration declaring that the entire

Avimukteshwar area belongs to plaintiff deity Asthan Lord Adi

Visheshwar in the radius of 5 (Five) Kos (Krosh) from the

principal seat at Settlement Plot No.9130 (Nine Thousand One

Hundred Thirty), measuring about 1(One) Bhiga, 9 (Nine) Biswas

and 6 (Six) Dhoors situated at Dashashwamedh in the heart of

City of Varanasi, Ward and Police Station Dashashwamedh.

C. Pass a decree in the nature of perpetual injunction against

defendants prohibiting them, and their workers, agents, officers,

officials and every person acting under them from interfering

with, or raising any objection or obstruction in the construction of

New Temple building consisting of Goddess Maa Shringar Gauri

along with Lord Ganesh, Nandi Ji and other subsidiary deities at

Principle seat of Asthan Adi Visheshwar at Settlement Plot

No.9130 (Nine Thousand One Hundred Thirty), measuring about

1(One) Bhiga, 9 (Nine) Biswas and 6 (Six) Dhoors situated at

Dashashwamedh in the heart of City of Varanasi, Ward and

Police Station Dashashwamedh after demolishing and removing

the existing buildings and structures etc, situated thereat, in so

far as it may be necessary are expedient to do so for the said

purpose.

D. Decree the suit of plaintiffs issuing Mandatory Injunction

directing defendant No.2 (Two) the Government of Uttar Pradesh

and Defendant No.7 (Seven) the Board of trustees of Kashi

Vishwanath Temple, created under Shri Kashi Vishwasnath

Temple Act, 1983 (Nineteen Eighty Three) to restore pooja and

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worship of Goddess Gauri Shringarji, Goddess Maa Ganga, Lord

Hanuman, Lord Ganeshji, Nandiji alongwith Lord Adi Visheswar

and make appropriate arrangement for Darshan and Pooja by

worshippers and maintain law and order situation;

E. Pass such other decree in favor of plaintiffs for which they are

found entitled to and deemed fit and proper by the Hon’ble Court

in the interest of justice; and

F. Decree the suit with cost in the favor of the plaintiffs against the

defendants.

Drafted By HARI SHANKAR JAIN, Advocate

Place: Varanasi

Dated: 17.02.2021 (Seventeen Two Twenty Twenty One)

PLAINTIFFS

1. Ranjana Agnihotri as Next friend of plaintiff No. 1

2. Jitender Singh “Vishen” as Next friend of plaintiff No. 2

3. Ranajan Agnihotri

4. Jitender Singh “Vishen”

5. Ankur Sharma

6. Dr. Ram Prasad Singh

7. Shishir Chaturvedi

8. Neeraj Shankar Saxena

9. Rakesh Kumar Agarwal

10. Kuldeep Tiwari as President

Jan Udgosh Sewa Sansthan

Through Advocates

Hari Shankar Jain,

Pankaj Kumar Verma

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Verification

I, Ms. Ranjana Agnihotri next friend of Plaintiff No.1 (One) and

also Plaintiff No. 3 do hereby verify that the contents of paragraph Nos.

1, 2, 4, 5, 6 with sub paras, 7 with sub paras, 8 with sub paras, 40 to 43,

57, 58, 62, 63, 64, 67, 68, 74, 75, 76, 89 to 92, 100, 101, 102, 104 to

108 of this plaint are true to my knowledge and those of paragraph Nos.

3, 44 to 46, 47 with sub paras, 48 to 50, 77 to 82, 83 with sub paras, 84

to 86 are true based on record and those of paragraph Nos. 9 to 16, 17

with sub paras, 19 to 33, 34 with sub paras, 35 to 39, 59, 60, 87, 88 are

believed to be true and those of paragraph Nos 18, 51 to 56, 61, 65, 66,

69 to 73, 93 to 99, 103 are believed to be true on the basis of legal

advice. Nothing has been concealed.

Signed and verified this 17th (Seventeenth) day of February, 2021 (Two

Thousand and Twenty One) within Civil Court Compound Varanasi,

Uttar Pradesh.

Plaintiff

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