Allahabad High Court Informed of Threat Against Judge Over Gyanvapi Mosque Survey Order
In a significant development, a Lucknow District and Sessions Judge has alerted the Allahabad High Court about a serious threat to Additional District Judge Ravi Kumar Diwakar, who had ordered a videographic survey of the Gyanvapi mosque premises in 2022.
Judge Vivekanand Sharan Tripathi of the NIA court wrote to the Registrar General of the Allahabad High Court, emphasizing the need for enhanced security for Judge Diwakar. This request comes in light of an ongoing investigation by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terror Squad (UP ATS), which has uncovered a conspiracy by Islamic fundamentalist forces to assassinate Judge Diwakar.
The UP ATS has filed a first information report (FIR) against an individual named Adnan Khan under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). Adnan Khan is accused of threatening Judge Diwakar and inciting violence through social media.
In 2022, Judge Diwakar permitted a court-appointed commissioner to inspect, conduct videography, and gather evidence regarding the alleged existence of Hindu deities within the Gyanvapi Mosque, located adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath temple.
Judge Tripathi’s letter highlights that Adnan Khan had posted a photo of Judge Diwakar on Instagram with inflammatory messages. The post featured the judge’s face with the word “KAFIR” written in red over his eyes, accompanied by the caption, “THE KAFIRS BLOOD IS HALAL FOR YOU THOSE WHO FIGHT AGAINST YOUR DEEN.” This post, seen by many, is believed to have incited violence against the judge and spread hatred and animosity among different religious communities.
Judge Tripathi warned that failure to act on this threat could lead to serious consequences. He emphasized that such posts not only endanger Judge Diwakar but also hurt religious sentiments, foster communal animosity, and undermine trust in the judiciary, which is a fundamental part of India’s constitutional system.
