Gyanvapi Cellar Verdict Was Varanasi Judge's Last Before Retirement

In a judgment that is being considered a key development in the Gyanvapi legal battle, the Varanasi court allowed members of a family of priests' to hold prayers in a cellar inside the mosque complex

The judgment allowing Hindu prayers in a cellar at Varanasi's Gyanvapi Mosque was the final verdict of a judge's career. Yesterday was the last working day for Dr Ajaya Krishna Vishvesha, Varanasi district and sessions judge, before his retirement.

Born in 1964 in Haridwar, now in Uttarakhand, Dr Vishvesha holds a Bachelor's degree in science and a Master's in law. He joined the judicial service in 1990. He has earlier served as district and sessions judge in Bulandshahr and in several judicial posts across Uttar Pradesh.

In a judgment that is being considered a key development in the Gyanvapi legal battle, the Varanasi court allowed members of a family of Hindu priests' to hold prayers in a cellar inside the Gyanvapi complex that was sealed for over 30 years. The 17th century mosque has four cellars. The cellar where puja has been allowed is called 'Vyas ji ka Tehkhana'.