Gyanvapi-Kashi Vishwanath case: SC hears Muslim side plea for ‘Wuzu’ on 14 April

The Supreme Court on Monday agrees to hear on April 14 a fresh plea by the Muslim side in the Gyanvapi mosque-Kashi Vishwanath Temple dispute matter in Varanasi seeking alternative arrangement for ‘Wuzu’ or purification where the Shivling was reportedly located, in view of more rush during Ramzan.
The petition will be heard on April 14 by a bench of Chief Justices of India DY Chandrachud, PS Narasimha, and JB Pardiwala. Senior Muslim counsel Huzefa Ahmadi brought the subject before the bench for an urgent hearing, stating that the court decision had previously said that suitable provisions should be made.

Arrangements have not yet been made because there are more worshippers owing to Ramzan, Ahmadi informed the bench, adding that they are demanding that arrangements be made for ‘Wuzu’.
He asked the Supreme Court to hear the case today, but the CJI stated it will be heard on April 14.
The top court allowed the Muslim side to file a plea before it on Thursday last week about their request to carry out the practise of ‘Wuzu’ inside the mosque premises during the month of Ramzan.
The bench then stated that it will hear the case on April 14 after Ahmadi stated that during the month of Ramzan, worshippers should be entitled to perform ‘Wuzu’ inside the grounds.

The ‘Wuzu’ region of the Gyanvapi mosque is at the heart of the Gyanvapi mosque-Kashi Vishwanath temple conflict between Hindus and Muslims, since the Hindus say a ‘Shivling’ has been discovered there, while the Muslim side claims it is merely a water fountain.
The Supreme Court has heard an appeal filed by the Committee against an order of the Allahabad High Court allowing a court-appointed commissioner to inspect, survey, and film the Gyanvapi mosque, where Hindus and Muslims have claimed the right to worship.

On May 20, 2022, the Supreme Court ruled that the case involving worship at Gyanvapi mosque be transferred from the civil judge to the Varanasi district judge. On May 17, 2022, the Supreme Court issued an interim injunction directing authorities to protect the ‘Wuzu’ region where the ‘Shivling’ was discovered and granting Muslims access for namaz.