Breaking News Today Live Updates: Allahabad high court to hear Gyanvapi mosque Wazukhana ASI survey plea today

The Allahabad High Court is scheduled to hear the Gyanvapi case today, focusing on a petition related to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey of the Wazukhana area. This area was sealed by the Supreme Court following a dispute concerning a structure found within the mosque premises. The controversy arose after claims made by both the Hindu and Muslim sides regarding the identity of this structure.

According to the Hindu side, a shivling was discovered within the premises in 2022. In contrast, the Muslim side maintains that the structure in question is actually a water fountain. Earlier this year, the Hindu side approached the Supreme Court with a plea to de-seal the 'wazukhana' area inside the Gyanvapi complex. The disputed structure was discovered during a court-ordered survey on May 16, 2022, at the mosque situated adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath temple.

On November 28 last year, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) released a statement raising concerns about the increasing number of legal claims involving mosques and dargahs across the country. The statement described such actions as a "blatant mockery of the law and the Constitution." The Board cited multiple cases, including those involving the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi, Shahi Eidgah in Mathura, Bhojshala Mosque in Madhya Pradesh, Teele Wali Masjid in Lucknow, and Jama Masjid in Sambhal, followed by a recent claim on the historic Ajmer Dargah.

The AIMPLB also pointed out that a civil court in Ajmer had "unfortunately" accepted a petition that alleges the Ajmer Dargah to be the Sankat Mochan Mahadev Temple. "It is deeply unfortunate and shameful that, after the claims on Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi... a claim has now been made on the historic Ajmer Dargah... the court has accepted Vishnu Gupta's petition for a hearing and issued notices to the parties," said SQR Ilyas, the National Spokesperson for the Board. Additionally, a petition was filed in the High Court on October 22 last year by plaintiff Rakhi Singh, seeking an ASI survey of the Wazukhana at the Gyanvapi mosque.

More than 200 people have been arrested, and 11 FIRs have been lodged by Monday regarding clashes that broke out on Friday in Murshidabad. The protests, centered around the amended waqf law, turned violent and resulted in the deaths of three individuals. Despite no fresh flare-ups, DGP Rajeev Kumar reiterated that the situation was "fully under control."

One of the FIRs was filed by Pompa Das, who reported the murder of her husband, Chandan Das, and her septuagenarian father-in-law, Hargobindo. The two men were killed by a mob on Friday, who dragged them out of their home in Jatrapara. The police are investigating the incident amid growing concerns.

The biggest concern for police is dealing with a wall of "deliberate and concerted" misinformation. WhatsApp forwards and social media posts with fake content are triggering distress calls to the Shamsherganj control room. DGP Kumar urged residents not to believe the rumours, which are only contributing to the sense of fear.

To curb the spread of misinformation, internet suspension has been extended to regions of Malda and Birbhum, contiguous to the strife-torn belts. "The Ganga divides the two districts, Murshidabad and Malda," ADG (law and order) Jawed Shamin said in Kolkata. "Often, the mobile tower being used is from Malda. Similarly, mobile phones are catching towers from Birbhum. This is aiding rumour-mongering." Police also made it clear that all perpetrators of violence will be brought to justice, regardless of their status.

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is set to visit Gujarat today. He will address an orientation program for District Observers at the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee in Ahmedabad, scheduled for 3 pm.

Recently, Ahmedabad hosted the 84th All India Congress Committee (AICC) National Convention and Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting. The convention, which took place on April 8-9, marked its return to Gujarat after 64 years. The event focused on critical issues, including the rising petrol and diesel prices in the country.

During the AICC session, Congress top leadership, including President Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi, discussed the party’s future direction. Kharge emphasized the need for organizational changes, urging those unable to fulfill their duties to retire. The party also condemned the BJP-led government for its "relentless systematic and conspiratorial attack" on India’s constitutional institutions.

The AICC convention also adopted the 'Nyay Path' resolution, accusing the BJP government of failures in the economy, foreign affairs, and its betrayal of farmers. The party called for immediate reservations for OBCs, SCs, and STs in private educational institutions and criticized the BJP’s weak leadership on the global stage.

The Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners’ and Agents’ Association has announced an indefinite strike starting Monday night to protest the recent diesel price hike and toll collections on state highways. Thousands of trucks, including those entering from other states, will remain off the roads. Only vehicles transporting milk and other perishables will be allowed to operate.

The truckers’ association is demanding a rollback of the increased sales tax on diesel imposed by the state, alongside addressing issues related to toll charges on state highways. The strike was first announced on April 4. However, a separate group — the Federation of Karnataka Lorry Owners’ Association — has decided not to join the protest, citing lack of consultation.

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy urged the association to call off the strike, noting that truckers had not protested during the Centre’s substantial fuel price hikes over the past decade. He pointed out that diesel was ?41.29/litre during the UPA era with crude oil at $140/barrel, but now stands at ?91/litre despite crude prices falling. “Karnataka has the lowest diesel price in South India, barring Puducherry,” he said, adding that the strike is not in the public interest.