Ajaya Krishna Vishvesha
In a swift transition from his role as the judge, who handed over the basement of the Gyanvapi Masjid in Varanasi for Hindu worship, retired Judge Ajaya Krishna Vishvesha has assumed the role of ombudsman at a public university in Lucknow, less than a month later.
Vishvesha, who retired as the Varanasi district judge on January 31, has been appointed as the ombudsman, or lokpal, of the Dr. Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University. This government-run institution, chaired by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has entrusted Vishvesha with the responsibility for a tenure of three years, university officials confirmed to The Wire.
Brijendra Singh, the university”s assistant registrar, said that the lokpal”s role is crucial in resolving disputes among students, ensuring their holistic development.
Yashwant Viroday, the university”s spokesperson, clarified that Vishvesha”s appointment adheres to the recent guidelines issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC). According to these guidelines, each university must appoint an ombudsperson for effective redressal of student grievances. Viroday further explained that preference is given to retired individuals with a background as vice-chancellors, professors, or district judges, in line with the UGC directive.
While routine cases are typically handled at the proctor level, certain complex disputes necessitate the intervention of a specialist, noted Viroday.
Vishvesha”s appointment mirrors a trend observed in Uttar Pradesh, where retired judges, following significant judicial decisions, assume public-funded roles post-retirement. This trend includes retired district judge Surendra Kumar Yadav, who, after acquitting all 32 accused in the Babri Masjid demolition case, was appointed as a deputy Lok Ayukta by the Yogi Adityanath government in April 2021.
Vishvesha”s recent decision to allow Hindu worship in the sealed basement of the Gyanvapi Masjid has generated controversy, with caretakers of the mosque challenging the legality and expediency of the order. However, the Allahabad High Court upheld the continuation of Hindu prayers at the site, reinforcing the significance of Vishvesha”s judicial legacy and the ongoing dynamics of religious tensions in Uttar Pradesh.
Born in Haridwar, Vishvesha assumed the role of Varanasi district judge in August 2021. In an interview with Times Now Navbharat days after his retirement, Vishvesha stated that he had issued the order in accordance with the law and established legal principles and rules.
When asked by the reporter about the mosque side”s skepticism regarding the timing of his order on his last working day, Vishvesha stated that a judge like himself adheres strictly to established judicial processes.
“The order was within the confines of the law and the court”s procedure,” said Vishvesha, who had also instructed the Archaeological Survey of India to conduct a survey of the Gyanvapi premises.
