The Supreme Court on Friday transferred a civil suit filed by Hindu devotees against the Gyanvapi mosque from a civil judge (senior division) to a district judge in Varanasi, stating that due to the complexities and sensitivity of the issue, the case should be handled by a senior judicial officer.
The apex court also ordered the Varanasi District Judge to rule on the mosque caretaker’s plea under Order 7 Rule 11 CPC (which requires Hindu women who have filed the suit to show a cause of action or legal injury).
Supreme Court order to be in effect
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court’s May 17 order securing the alleged ‘Shivling‘ and allowing Muslims to offer namaaz in the mosque continues to be in effect. The SC ordered the District Magistrate to make appropriate arrangements for offering wazu khana, if not already done. When the court reopens after summer vacation in July, the case will be heard.