SG assured facilities inside Gyanvapi premises for “wuzu”: Supreme Court Disposes application

Today, the Supreme Court was hearing the application filed by the Gyanvapi Mosque management committee (the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid) seeking suitable arrangements for performing wuzu in the Gyanvapi Mosque complex in Varanasi. Last year, ‘Shiva Linga’ was claimed to be found at this Mosque in Varanasi. The bench including Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and PS Narasimha disposed of the application after the Solicitor General for India, Tushar Mehta assured to provide sufficient tubs of water for performing wuzu tomorrow (April 22, 2023) in the mosque on the occasion of Eid. The bench ordered, “We record the statement of the Solicitor General (SG) for India that to facilitate the performance of wuzu, the collector or the district magistrate shall ensure that there are a sufficient number of tubs and facilitates for water are made available in proximity to as to not inconvenience the devotees who have come for performing namaz.”

During the proceedings, the SG submitted that “We had provided toilets meters away from the place, but they are asking for these facilities inside the premises of the mosque.” Huzefa Ahmadi, a Senior Advocate appearing for the Committee of management, told the bench that the disrupted area was used by the Muslim worshippers for wuzu. He further added, “The urgency is that this is the last Friday just before Eid.” Hearing this CJI asked Solicitor General regarding the arrangements for the same. In response, the top lawyer said that “I had a word, but it is not possible because the entry to the bathroom is through the disrupted area where the ‘Shiva Linga’ or according to them, a fountain is located.” The argument continued between the two parties whereas at the end the top lawyer assured, “We will provide sufficient water in order to ensure that everyone can perform wuzu.” The bench then disposed of the application.