Gyanvapi Survey| 'Experts Working Hard To Compile Data': ASI Seeks Additional 3-Week Extension To File Its Report In Varanasi Court

This is the 5^th time since September 2 that the ASI has sought a time extension to file its survey report. Earlier, the Court had directed the ASI to submit its survey report by November 28.

“…the ASI experts are working hard in their camp office to correlate different types of data gathered by archaeologists, epigraphists, chemists, surveyors, geo-physics experts, etc. in a unform manner. The amalgamation of information generated in different forms by different experts and different tools is a tedious and slow process. It would take some more time for completion of the report and final submission of the said survey report.”

The ASI has also submitted that its team is meticulously analyzing all data collected through various scientific studies and field observations and that its field team is also working hard to prepare a detailed and illustrated survey report, covering every aspect regarding and relating to the said survey and the same is required to be crosschecked, verified and compiled to finalize the survey report based on systematic studies conducted by various expert teams is in under process.

It may be noted that the ASI is presently conducting a scientific survey of the Gyanvapi complex in Varanasi as per the July 21 order of the Varanasi District Judge to determine if the mosque was constructed over a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple. The ASI has already surveyed the premises for around 30 days now.

On August 4, the Supreme Court refused to stop the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) from carrying out a survey of the Gyanvapi Mosque at Varanasi, except the 'wuzukhana' area where a 'shivling' was claimed to have been found last year.

Taking on record an undertaking made on behalf of the ASI that no excavation would be done at the site and no damage will be caused to the structure, the Court had allowed the survey to take place.

The Court had ordered thus while disposing of a petition filed by Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee (which manages the Gyanvapi Mosque at Varanasi) challenging Allahabad High Court order (of August 3) which permitted the ASI survey.

On July 21, Varanasi District Judge directed the Director of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a “scientific survey” of the Gyanvapi mosque premises except for the area that was sealed earlier (wuzukhana) to find out if the same has been built over a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple. This order was upheld by the Allahabad HC on August 3.