NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday took into record an assurance by the Uttar Pradesh government that district administration will provide sufficient water facilities to the 'namazis' performing wuzu (ablution) in Gyanvapi mosque.
A bench of Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud and Justice P S Narasimha said, We record the statement of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that in order to facilitate the performance of wuzu, the district magistrate shall ensure that there are sufficient number of tubs and facilities of water made available in proximity."
So that no inconvenience is caused to the devotees who come for performing namaz, the court noted.
Mehta, for his part, submitted that toilets have been 70 metres away from the place, but they are asking for these facilities inside the premises of the mosque.
Senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, appearing on behalf of the Committee of Management of the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid, submitted that the disputed area had been in use by Muslim worshippers for years for the purpose of wuzu.
He said that this is the last Friday just before Eid.
The bench asked Mehta, if there can be arrangements made for today and tomorrow.
On this, Mehta said that it is not possible because the entry to the bathroom is through the disputed area where the Shiva Linga or according to them, a fountain is located.
He pointed out that the toilets are just 70 metres away.
Ahmadi, on the other hand, asked why Muslim worshippers should be forced to go outside the premises for the purposes of doing wuzu.
Mehta replied that it is not wuzu, rather he was talking about the toilet facilities and assured that water will be provided to the Muslim worshippers for the performance of wuzu.
Mehta continued that there are six tubs already available.
The bench said that to facilitate the performance of ablution, long tubs should be provided.
Mehta said that authorities will provide sufficient water in order to ensure that everyone can perform wuzu.
In November last year, the apex court had extended the protection of the area inside Gyanvapi mosque where a "Shiv Linga" was found till further orders.
