‘Gyanvapi Mosque Survey Completed By ASI, Records Being Prepared’: Varanasi Court Told; Report Directed To Be Filed By Nov 17

District Judge AK Vishvesha passed the order after the ASI submitted before it on Thursday that it has already completed its survey of the Mosque premises and now its technical members are preparing a detailed report of the same.

Taking these submissions on record, the Court directed the Superintendent Archaeologist, ASI, Sarnath Circle, Varanasi to ensure that the survey report is filed in the court by November 17.

It may be noted that the ASI had been 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.

On August 4, the Supreme Court refused to stop the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) from surveying the Gyanvapi Mosque at Varanasi, except the 'wuzukhana' area where a 'Shiva Linga' 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 would be caused to the structure, the Court allowed the survey to take place.

The Court 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.