Gyanvapi dispute: Cloth on wazookhana lock to be replaced with mutual consent
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Varanasi: Both Hindu and Muslim parties involved in the Gyanvapi mosque dispute have orally agreed to replace a torn cloth tied around the lock of the sealed wazookhana area, officials confirmed on Friday.
District Government Advocate Rajesh Mishra stated that the cloth, which has deteriorated over time, can be replaced with mutual consent. The Varanasi district court, while noting that the matter is pending before the Supreme Court, clarified it cannot pass any independent order. “However, if both parties mutually agree, the cloth covering the lock can be replaced,” Mishra said.
The wazookhana section of the Gyanvapi mosque was sealed on May 16–17, 2022, following directives from the civil judge (senior division) and the Supreme Court during survey proceedings. Concerned about the condition of the cloth and potential security issues, the Hindu side filed a petition on August 8 seeking permission for its replacement.
The district court has scheduled the next hearing in the matter for October 29.