The Supreme Court today disposed of a petition seeking proper arrangements for performing of wuzu in the Gyanvapi Mosque complex of Varanasi and other Mosques, after the Central government assured the Apex Court of providing sufficient tubs of water for the festival of Eid tomorrow.
The Bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha recorded the statement of the Solicitor General and directed all District Collectors or Magistrates to ensure that there sufficient number of tubs and facilities for water were made available for wuzu in proximity to the Mosques for the convenience of devotees coming to perform namaz.
Regarding Gyanvapi, where a purported ‘Shivling’ was claimed to have been found last year, the SG said that the government has provided toilets 70 metres away from the place, but they were asking for these facilities inside the premises of the Mosque.
Representing the Committee of Management of the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid, which is responsible for managing the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi, Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi apprised the Bench that the disputed area had been in use by Muslim worshippers for years for the purpose of wuzu. He further said that April 21 was the last Friday before Eid, which will be celebrated tomorrow in India.
The CJI asked the SG, as to why can there be no arrangements made for today and tomorrow.
SG Mehta respoded in negative, saying that the entry to the bathroom was through the disputed area, where the ‘Shivling’ or according to the Muslims, a fountain, was located.
Ahmadi said that the government can provide something next to it.
SG Mehta then said that toilets were just 70 metres away.
When Ahmadi said Muslim worshippers should not be forced to go outside the premises for the purposes of doing wuzu, the SG said that for Wuzu, it was the same area. However, toilet facilities were available at 70 metres away.
The SG further assured of the district administration providing water to Muslim worshippers for wuzu.
Justice Narasimha recommended that large tubs may be provided for the purpose. The SG responded that six tubs have been provided wt the place where wuzu is permitted right now.
Justice Narasimha then remarked that tubs cannot mean buckets.
The CJI sided with Justice Narasimha and said that in order to facilitate the performing of ablution, not drums, but long tubs should be provided. He added that something convenient should be provided for the purpose.
The top law officer then assured that sufficient water would be provided so that everyone could perform wuzu.