Secure ‘Shivling’ Area But Don’t Stop Namaz, Says supreme Court 3.81/5 (16)

The Supreme Court today asked the Varanasi administration where exactly the 'Shivling' was found inside Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi.

The Supreme Court's question to the administration came during the hearing of a petition by the mosque committee that sought a direction to the authorities in Varanasi to stop the filming of the mosque complex.

"Where exactly was the 'Shivling' found?" Justice DY Chandrachud said.

Mr Mehta said the place where the 'Shivling' was found was sealed to avoid any law and order issues if someone who came to offer namaz touched it with their feet. The 'Shivling' was said to be found in a pond, used for "wazoo" or purification rituals before namaz.

The Supreme Court then told the Varanasi District Magistrate to ensure that if the 'Shivling' was found, the area should be protected, but without impeding Muslims from coming to the mosque for namaz.

"How did the court proceed based on the submission of the other party and seal the place? Look at the way the orders are passed," the Muslim petitioners told the Supreme Court.