ASI Submits ‘Scientific Survey’ Report On Gyanvapi Mosque in Court

Varanasi: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has submitted the “scientific survey” report on the Gyanvapi mosque to a Varanasi district judge. The report, submitted on Monday as a sealed document, is related to a court-ordered survey to determine if the 17th-century mosque was built over a Hindu temple. The dispute involves claims by right-wing groups that a temple was demolished by order of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb to make way for the mosque, located near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

The Allahabad High Court upheld the Varanasi court order, stating the survey was “necessary in the interest of justice.” The Supreme Court refused a stay on the High Court’s decision in August, directing the ASI to conduct non-invasive methods of survey. Certain areas, including a structure claimed to be a ‘shivling,’ were deemed off-limits.

The dispute arose in August 2021 when five Hindu women sought permission to pray at the mosque premises. The Gyanvapi mosque committee moved the Supreme Court against the High Court’s order, citing concerns about unauthorized digging by the ASI. The top court’s directive ruled out excavations and aimed to prevent potential damage to the 354-year-old mosque complex.

Last week, the Allahabad High Court reserved judgment on a 1991 petition challenging the maintainability of a suit seeking the restoration of a temple at the Gyanvapi mosque site. The next hearing is scheduled for Thursday.