Supreme Court Refuses to Stay Gyanvapi Masjid Survey

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday declined to stay the scientific survey of Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi by the ASI.

The apex court while hearing the Masjid Committee’s plea challenging the Allahabad High Court’s order permitting ASI Survey of the Gyanvapi Mosque passed this order.

The Supreme Court remarked that the ASI will conduct the survey through “non-invasive methodology” and no excavation has been allowed at the site.

Muslim body Anjuman Intezamia Masjid committee contended that the ASI is “digging into history”, violating the Places of Worship Act and impinging upon fraternity and secularism.

The Places of Worship (special provisions) Act, 1991 prohibits change of character of religious places as they existed in 1947.

Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud said that the Allahabad High Court has made them (ASI) stand by an affidavit that no excavation would be made by them during their survey of Gyanvapi mosque.