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Secure 'Shivling' area, but let Muslims pray: SC in Gyanvapi mosque case

Hearing to continue on Thursday

INDIA-CITIZENSHIP/COURT Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Varanasi Deputy Commissioner to ensure protection of the area in Gyanvapi mosque where a 'Shivling' was allegedly found, but said it should not impede access of Muslims to the mosque for prayers.

The top court issued notices to the Hindu petitioners and the Uttar Pradesh government on a petition filed by the Anjuman Intezamia Masajid challenging the Varanasi district court's order which had directed a videographic survey of the Gyanvapi Mosque complex, adjacent to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. They were asked to file a response by May 19 when the apex court will resume the hearing.

"Where exactly was the 'Shivling' found?" Justice D.Y. Chandrachud asked during the hearing. 

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who appeared for the Uttar Pradesh government, said he hasn't seen the report sought time till tomorrow to return with details. 

A local court in Varanasi on Monday had ordered the sealing of a pond in the Gyanvapi Masjid complex after lawyers representing the Hindu petitioners said a Shivling was found there during the court-mandated videography survey.

The mosque management committee member disputed the claim, saying the object was part of the water fountain mechanism at the wazookhana reservoir where devotees carry out ablutions before offering namaz. 

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