SC transfers Gyanvapi mosque case to Varanasi District judge

Supreme Court today ordered the transfer of the Gyanvapi mosque case to the Varanasi district judge, saying that the case will be heard by a "more experienced" judge in Uttar Pradesh, 

the apex court stressed that “it would be better if a more seasoned hand hears the case", and said that there is a need for "a healing touch and a sense of balance".

"Keeping the complexity and sensitivity of the matter in view, the civil suit before the civil judge in Varanasi shall be heard before a senior and experienced judicial officer of the UP judicial service," the Supreme Court ruled.

During the arguments, the bench said that there is a "need for fraternity between communities and the need for peace is topmost for the court,”.

After the Supreme Court ruling, Varanasi’s senior judge will hear the petition filed by five Hindu women requesting permission to worship what they claim are Hindu idols at the Gyanvapi mosque.