The Supreme Court on Monday refused to stay an Allahabad High Court order allowing puja in the southern cellar of the disputed Gyanvapi structure.

The top court, however, ordered a status quo on worship by both Hindu and Muslim sides. The case will now be heard in July.

“At this stage, bearing in mind the fact that the Namaz is offered by Muslim community unhindered after the orders dated January 17 and January 31 and the offering of pooja by Hindu priest is confined to the area of tehkhana, it is appropriate to maintain status quo so as to enable both the communities to offer worships in the above terms.” Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said while dictating the order.

The apex court said Muslims can continue to enter and offer prayers at the mosque from the northern side, while the Hindus can enter from the southern entry for the puja.

The top court was hearing Muslim side’s plea challenging the Allahabad High Court order and Varanasi court order that enabled Hindu ‘puja’ in the ‘Vyas Tehkhana’ or the southern cellar of the disputed structure.