The Supreme Court of India today directs the Varanasi district collector to ensure that a sufficient number of water is made available for "wazoo" (ritual ablution) for Muslim devotees at the Gyanvapi mosque complex.

A division bench of CJI D Y Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha recorded the statement of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who appeared in the court on behalf of the UP government, that the collector would ensure the availability of water at the mosque complex.

"The solicitor general states that in order to facilitate the performance of 'wazu', the district magistrate shall ensure that a sufficient number of tubs for water is made available to avoid inconvenience," the bench said.

Earlier, the Top Court directed the collector to hold a meeting for providing congenial working arrangements for "wazu" at the mosque complex.

The court was hearing a plea moved by the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee, seeking permission for "wazu" at the mosque complex in Varanasi during the month of Ramzan. 

The court had also recorded the mosque management committee's statement that it will be satisfied even if mobile toilets are provided.

The apex court had, on November 11 last year, extended till further orders the protection of the area inside the mosque complex where a "Shivling" was claimed to have been found.

Senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, appearing for the mosque committee, had requested the bench to take up the matter for hearing soon, saying the month of Ramzan is underway and adequate arrangements should be made.

He had said the water for "wazu" was being used from a drum and the number of worshippers had increased in view of Ramzan.