Varanasi Court Grants 10 More Days To ASI To Submit Gyanvapi Scientific Survey Report

Earlier, the Court had asked the ASI to submit its survey report by November 28. Now, the ASI has been granted additional time of 10 days with the hope that it will not seek further extension to file the survey report.

The order was passed earlier today by District Judge Ajay Krishna Vishwesha on an application moved by the ASI which stated that their experts are working hard to cross-check, correlate and compile the findings of the survey undertaken by them of the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and therefore, they need additional 3-week time to file its report.

It may further be noted that the ASI has conducted 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.

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.