Gyanvapi Controversy: Plea to Replace Wazukhana Lock's Cloth Cover Heads to Court

In the ongoing and highly sensitive legal saga surrounding Varanasi's Gyanvapi mosque complex, a significant development is slated for December 3. On that day, a local court will take up a petition requesting the replacement of a simple cloth covering the lock at the Wazukhana – the ablution pond area – with something far more robust: a proper door or grill. It’s a small detail, perhaps, but one that speaks volumes about the larger dispute at hand.

The area in question, the Wazukhana, became a focal point back in May 2022. During a court-mandated survey of the complex, Hindu petitioners claimed a 'Shivling' was discovered there. Following this revelation, the Supreme Court of India stepped in swiftly, issuing an order to seal and protect that specific spot, ensuring its integrity while the legal proceedings continued. Ever since, access has been restricted, and, as the current plea highlights, a temporary cloth has been serving as the cover over the lock.

Now, the Hindu side, through their legal representatives, is pushing for a more permanent solution. They argue that a cloth, however symbolic, simply isn't adequate for protecting a site of such immense importance and contention. They are advocating for a sturdy door or a protective grill, believing it would offer better security and peace of mind, replacing what is essentially a makeshift arrangement.

This particular application, which seeks these 'proper arrangements' for the Wazukhana area, underscores the meticulous and often incremental nature of the legal battle unfolding. Each step, each plea, however minor it might seem on the surface, contributes to the complex tapestry of the Gyanvapi dispute, which pits Hindu petitioners against the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee, representing the Muslim side.

The Varanasi district court, where this hearing is scheduled, has been a central arena for these arguments. The broader legal battle has seen its share of ups and downs, including the Allahabad High Court's recent decision to uphold the maintainability of the Hindu side's original petition, essentially allowing the larger case to proceed. As December 3 approaches, all eyes will be on the court as it considers this plea for enhanced security at the heart of one of India's most talked-about religious and legal controversies.