In Brief
This Supreme Court case arose from orders made by a Civil Judge during a survey and exploration proceeding in a disputed mosque complex in Varanasi. A Shivalinga was allegedly found on the property, prompting ex parte orders to seal the area and restrict Muslim worshippers' access. The Court clarified that while the disputed area must be protected, the order cannot impede Muslims' fundamental right to access and use the mosque for prayer and religious observances. The Court thus narrowed the order's scope to protect only the specific area where the artifact was found, while fully preserving mosque access for worship."
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