Gyanvapi| Top Court records UP administration's assurance on making "suitable arrangements" for performing "Wuzu"
On Monday, SG Mehta had made it clear before the Top Court that the order of authorities was being complied with effectively and that maintaining the sanctity of the place was of prime importance.
Supreme Court today recorded Solicitor General Tushar Mehta's submission that sufficient drums of water would be provided to the devotees in close proximity of the Gyanvapi disputed site for performing Wuzu.
This assurance was made by SG Mehta on an application filed before the Supreme Court seeking permission to perform "Wuzu", an Islamic Practice at the disputed Gyanvapi site.
Today, Court was told that the administration had agreed to provide water to the devotees 70 mts away from the place, against their request of availability within the premises.
"Inside is not possible, I spoke to the DM, it is not possible at all", SG added.
Court then agreed with the SG's submission that drums of water be provided within close proximity.
On Monday, upon the assurance of SG Mehta that a meeting will be held with concerned parties to deliberate on a solution, the bench comprising CJI DY Chandrachud, Justices PS Narasimha & JB Pardiwala had put up the plea of the Committee of Management Anjuman Intezamia Masjid today.
The plea had sought performance of Wuzu on the disputed site and access to toilets during the month of Ramadan.
"The Wuzu was being held at the fountain area. There were washrooms there too. But now the entire area has been sealed," the committee had told Supreme Court.
SG had further informed top court that the area where Wuzu has been sought is also where the Shivling exists and that it may create a problem if an order is passed without deliberations. After the committee's lawyer, Huzeifa Ahmedi told Court that even mobile toilets will be enough, SG stated that even in that case maintaining the sanctity of place is of utmost importance.
The Supreme Court last year, had extended indefinitely, the interim protection for the area where a Shivling was found at the disputed site of Gyanvapi at Varanasi.
On May 13, a Varanasi Local Court had the ordered the District Magistrate, Varanasi to seal the place where the 'Shivling' had been found. The Court also placed personal responsibilities on the District Magistrate, Police Commissioner, and CRPF Commandant of the city to protect and secure the sealed place.
On May 17, the top court upheld the Varanasi Court's order but modified it to the extent that the local court's direction in any manner, will not restrain access of Muslims to the mosque or use of it for performing prayers and religious activities.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had refused to issue directions for maintaining the status quo on the survey of the Gyanvapi-Shringar Gauri complex at Varanasi. The Court had refused to pass an interim order to put on hold, the process of inspection, conduct of videography and collection of evidence regarding the alleged existence of Hindu deities inside the Gyanvapi Mosque complex located next to the Kashi Vishwanath temple.
Case Title: Committee of Management Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Varanasi Vs Rakshi Singh