Due to the controversy surrounding
Masjid of Gyanvapi
Hindu right-wing groups have raised concerns about the Teele Wali Masjid in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, alleging that a Hindu religious institution called the Lakshman Tila was located where the mosque now stands and was destroyed by the Mughals.
A protest march planned for 22 May by the All India Hindu Mahasabha under the banner of ‘Laxman Tila Mukti Sankalp Yatra’ was prohibited by the local administration.
Hindu groups have demanded ownership rights to the mosque, and have also asked to be allowed to conduct plays within its premises. They have also approached a court concerning this issue.
Gyanvapi: Removing the mosque was transferred to a fast track court
Police deployed heavily in front of the mosque on Friday
Shishir Chaturvedi, national spokesperson of the All India Hindu Mahasabha, told The Quint that the legal battle would be fought on the basis of evidence and within the scope of the Constitution.
The Teele Wali Masjid was surrounded by a large number of police on Friday, 27 May, before prayers to prevent clashes between religious groups over the sensitive issue.
Social media users have also shared a poster urging people to perform namaz at the mosque on Friday.
Several right-wing Hindu groups have recently made claims about the Taj Mahal and Qutub Minar, as well as mosques such as Varanasi’s Granvapi Masjid and Mathura’s Shahi Idgah Masjid.
