Varanasi Collector To Ensure Sufficient No. Of Plastic Tubs With Water For ‘Wazu’ Facilities At Gyanvapi Mosque SC

The Supreme Court asked the Varanasi district collector today to ensure that a sufficient number of plastic tubs with water is made available for “wazu” (ritual ablution) for Muslim devotees at the Gyanvapi mosque complex.

A bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha recorded the statement of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who appeared in the court on behalf of the Uttar Pradesh government.

The bench stated, “The solicitor general states that to facilitate the performance of ‘wazu’, the district magistrate shall ensure that a sufficient number of tubs for water is made available to avoid inconvenience.”

Earlier, the apex court directed the collector to hold a meeting for providing congenial working arrangements for “wazu” at the mosque complex.

The court heard a plea moved by the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee, seeking permission for “wazu” at the mosque complex in Varanasi during the month of Ramzan.

Earlier, the top court referred to its order passed on May 20 last year, directing those facilities for “wazu” and washrooms to be provided to the devotees following the sealing of certain areas inside the mosque premises.

Therefore, the solicitor general assured the court that a meeting shall be convened by the collector to provide a congenial working arrangement, the bench noted in its order.

The court had also recorded the mosque management committee’s statement that it will be satisfied even if mobile toilets are provided.

The apex court on November 11 last year, extended till further orders where the protection of the area inside the mosque complex where a “Shivling” was claimed to have been found.

Senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, appearing for the mosque committee, requested the bench to take up the matter for hearing soon, stating the month of Ramzan is underway and adequate arrangements should be made.

Therefore, he said that the water for “wazu” was being used from a drum and the number of worshippers increased in the view of Ramzan.