The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Varanasi trial court to “strictly desist” from taking up any further proceedings in the suit filed by Hindu devotees claiming the existence of a Shivalinga on the Gyanvapi mosque premises, as the top court decided to examine the issue on Friday at 3pm.

The apex court passed the injunction on the plea of senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi — appearing for the mosque management committee.

The Supreme Court recorded an assurance from Vishnu Shankar Jain, counsel for the Hindu devotees in the trial court.

The matter was to be heard on Thursday, but Jain told the bench of Justices D.Y. Chandrachud, Surya Kant and P.S. Narasimha that the main counsel who was representing the plaintiffs (Hindus) was hospitalised and sought adjournment till Friday.

After hearing the two sides, the apex court passed the following order: “The proceedings have been mentioned by Mr Vishnu Shankar Jain, learned counsel….

“Mr Jain states that the learned counsel who has been briefed to appear in these proceedings is indisposed today and, hence, is unable to remain present. He has requested the Court to take up the matter tomorrow.

“Mr Huzefa A Ahmadi… states that there is no objection to the grant of adjournment on account of the personal indisposition of counsel, however, equally, it is necessary that the Trial Court which is continuing to hear the proceedings today may desist from doing so until this Court takes up the proceedings tomorrow.

“…Mr Jain states that the proceedings before the Trial Court shall not be pressed any further hereafter until the Court takes up the matter tomorrow.”