SC Orders Protection of ‘Shivling’ in Gyanvapi Mosque, Removes Bar on Muslims’ Entry
NEW DELHI, (IANS) – The Supreme Court on May 17 directed the Varanasi administration to protect and seal the area where a “Shivling” was found, during a video survey, inside the Gyanvapi mosque complex, while also telling the authorities concerned to not restrict Muslims from entering the mosque to offer namaz.
A bench of Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and P.S. Narasimha said: “The area where Shivling is found should be protected.” The bench added that no manner of restriction should be imposed on Muslims entering the mosque to offer namaz or religious observances.
Senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, representing the Committee of Management, the Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Varanasi, urged the top court to stay the proceedings before the trial court in Varanasi.
The bench told Ahmadi if a “Shivling” has been found, then balance needs to be maintained. “We will direct the District Magistrate to ensure protection of the place without restricting Muslims from praying,” it noted.
The bench modified the trial court’s order which ordered sealing of the area, where the “Shivling” was found, and barred entry of Muslims over there.
The top court did not allow the plea for use of wuzukhana — a place for washing hands, feet, and face before offering prayers — where the ‘Shivling’ has been purportedly found.