The Supreme Court on Friday (21 April) asked the District Collector of Varanasi to ensure sufficient arrangements for wuzu (ritual ablution) in the Gyanvapi mosque ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr festival today.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud and Justice P S Narasimha recorded a submission by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that sufficient tubs of water would be provided by the district administration at the place where wuzu is performed in the mosque.

The area of the Gyanvapi mosque where wuzu was performed earlier was sealed off by the administration last year after a 'Shivalingam' was found in the mosque during a videographic survey on the orders of the Supreme Court.

The Committee of Management of Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Varanasi had moved the court seeking the facilities saying the disputed area is where wuzu was performed in the mosque for several years.

Appearing on behalf of the Uttar Pradesh government, Mehta said that the administration had made arrangements for toilet facilities just 70 metres away and it could not be provided inside the mosque because the entry to the bathroom used earlier was through the disputed area where the 'Shivalingam' was found.

The CJI added that to facilitate the performance of rituals, not drums but long tubs should be provided. The CJI remarked that something convenient for the purpose should be provided.

Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee joint secretary S M Yasin on Friday thanked the district administration for making plastic tubs and mugs available, as part of temporary arrangements for wuzu for devotees on Eid.