Varanasi: The Varanasi district court has allowed the replacement of the cloth used to seal the wuzu khana, or ablution area, of the Gyanvapi mosque complex. The order was passed by District Judge Sanjeev Shukla after hearing arguments from both the Hindu and Muslim sides.
The Hindu petitioners stated that the sealing cloth had been damaged due to monsoon rains and required replacement to preserve the seal’s condition. The court approved the plea and directed that the replacement take place on October 29 under the supervision of District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar and in the presence of representatives from both sides.
The court emphasized that the replacement must be conducted carefully, maintaining the integrity of the original seal and in full compliance with prior judicial orders. The wuzu khana was sealed in May 2022 on the direction of the Supreme Court, which ordered the area to be protected after claims that a “Shivling” had been found there during a survey.
The Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Committee, which manages the Gyanvapi mosque, objected to the plea, arguing that replacing the cloth could risk disturbing the current status quo around the disputed area.
The case remains under judicial review, with both communities awaiting further hearings. Authorities are expected to ensure the process remains transparent and peaceful given the sensitivity surrounding the mosque complex.
