Gyanvapi Case : Live Updates From Supreme Court On Plea Against ASI Survey

CJI: Para 13-20 of the affidavit filed by ASI are extracted. The affidavit states that the deponent, ADG of ASI, appeared before the court in person. The submissions made by ADG have been recorded.

CJI: During the course of hearings, the ASI was called to assist it. Additional Director General, ASI filed an affidavit setting out nature of the proposed survey that would be carried out.

CJI (dictating order): The order of District Judge was assailed before the Allahabad HC. By a judgment dated 3 August, 2023, the order of District Judge has been affirmed subject to the observations of HC, Content of affidavit of ASI

Ahmadi: These proceedings, Justice Pardiwala said that the record would be kept in a sealed cover. But these entire proceedings have to be sealed.

Ahmadi: These are all salami tactics to oust me from my property piece by piece.

Ahmadi: This is against the express dictate of the Places of Worship Act. If this is allowed, you'll have applications saying something else was found here also, call for survey, allow me to do a Pooja here...piece by piece you're edging me out of my property.

Ahmadi: The promise was made by the parliament to a community that your religious place will not be touched...suits are filed across the country just with this...

Ahmadi: Digging in the wounds of the past...Having a survey would frustrate the very purpose of the act.

CJI: So the religious character should not be changed. The question is what was the religious character of the place as on 15th August 1947.

Ahmadi refers to Section 2(b) of the Places of Worship Act. The section defines "conversion".

CJI: You are right that 2(b) uses the term conversion in a very broad sense.