In a significant development, the Supreme Court has granted permission to Hindu women petitioners for the cleaning of the 'wazukhana' area within the Gyanvapi mosque premises, where a 'Shivling' was discovered. The court's order emphasises the necessity of maintaining hygienic conditions in the specified area and directs the Varanasi district administration to oversee the cleaning process, aligning with previous directives from the apex court.
The Gyanvapi mosque management committee has expressed its support for the cleaning initiative, particularly emphasizing the water tank that had been sealed for nearly two years in accordance with the Supreme Court's instructions. The 'wazukhana,' a sacred reservoir where devotees perform ablutions before namaz, has garnered attention following the unfortunate incident of fish deaths between December 12 to 25 2023. The cleaning application highlighted a distressing putrid smell emanating from the tank, raising concerns for both the committee and the Hindu petitioners.