Secure the 'Shivling' area inside Varanasi's Gyanvapi mosque but don't stop the Muslims from praying, the Supreme Court directed the District Magistrate of Varanasi today. A bench comprising Justices DY Chandrachud and PS Narasimhawhile was hearing a plea by the management of Gyanvapi mosque against the survey of the Gyanvapi-Shringar Gauri complex.
The court also asked the Varanasi administration where exactly the 'Shivling' (symbol of Lord Shiva) was found inside the mosquein the Uttar Pradesh city.
"Where exactly was the Shivling found?" Justice DY Chandrachud said.
"We haven't seen the report," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who appeared for the Uttar Pradesh government, replied, and sought time till tomorrow to return with details.
The top court was hearing the matter amid an important development with a Varanasi court, which removed the official who was leading the videography survey. Advocate commissioner Ajay Mishra was removed on grounds of non-cooperation, an official said.
Here are the Highlights on Gyanvapi Mosque Case:
Where was 'shivling' found? asks judge to Solicitor General Tushar Mehta
The Varanasi court removes commissioner in charge of survey Ajay Mishra.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Tuesday the plea of the management of Gyanvapi mosque against the survey of the Gyanvapi-Shringar Gauri complex in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.