The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear a plea by the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid committee seeking permission for ‘wazu’ (ritual ablution) at the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi during the month of Ramzan. The top court had earlier extended the protection of the area where a ‘Shivling’ was claimed to have been found. The matter will be taken up for hearing on April 14, 2023, by the bench also comprising Justice Surya Kant. The Gyanvapi mosque complex row pertains to the dispute between Hindus and Muslims over the alleged encroachment on the mosque land by a temple. The case has been transferred to the district judge due to its complexities and sensitivity.
The Supreme Court had transferred the case to the district judge on May 20, 2022, citing the complexities and sensitivity of the issue and directing that a more senior judicial officer should handle it. In its May 17, 2022 order, the top court had also directed the protection of the area around the claimed ‘Shivling’ while allowing Muslims to offer namaz in the mosque.It seems that the Varanasi district judge is currently hearing a plea by a group of women who are seeking permission for daily worship of idols of Hindu deities located on the outer wall of the mosque. The Hindu side has also requested a survey of two locked basements in the mosque complex. It is important to note that this case involves sensitive and complex issues related to religion and property rights, and therefore, it is being handled by a more senior judicial officer as directed by the top court.
It remains to be seen what decision the Varanasi district judge will make on this matter.
