SC transfers Gyanvapi case hearing from civil judge to Varanasi district judge

The Supreme Court has asked the district judge in Varanasi to hear the Gyanvapi case.

In an order, SC transferred hearing of civil suit in Gyanvapi mosque case from civil judge (senior division) Varanasi to district judge (Varanasi).

A bench of Justices DY Chandrachud, Surya Kant, and PS Narasimha said that it is not casting any aspersion on the civil judge (senior division) who was earlier dealing with the suit.


The SC said district judge, Varanasi will first decide maintainability of civil suit filed by Hindu devotees upon transfer of papers.

SC said its earlier direction on protection of 'Shivling' area and permission to Muslims to offer Namaz would remain in operation.

The top court has asked the District Magistrate, Varanasi, to ensure adequate arrangement of 'Wazu' for Muslims offering Namaz in Gyanvapi mosque.