New Delhi, May 19 (Representative) The Communist Party of India- Marxist (CPI-M) on Thursday said “utmost caution” should be exercised to ensure that no violation of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 takes place. “The Communist Party of India (Marxist) expresses serious concern over the fact that the District Court, Varanasi took an ill-considered decision to allow videography under its supervision within the premises of the Gyanvapi Mosque that has resulted in a situation which can be utilised by communal forces,” a statement by the Polit Bureau of the CPI-M said.
“The Supreme Court has now intervened in the matter and the CPI-M demands that the utmost caution be exercised and that no violation, in letter and spirit, of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 takes place,” the statement said. “The Act came into existence precisely to ensure that such controversies over religious places are avoided and that efforts to change their existing character not be permitted.” The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Varanasi Civil Court (lower court) to desist from hearing the Gyanvapi mosque complex videography case till Friday. In the wake of a directive from the Supreme Court, the Civil Judge (Senior Division) deferred the hearing. The Varanasi court fixed May 23 as the next date of hearing in the Gyanvapi mosque complex videography case.