Gyanvapi Mosque Complex: Varanasi Court Grants ASI 4 More Weeks To Complete Scientific Survey

A Varanasi court on Friday has granted additional time of 4 weeks to the Archaeological Survey of India to complete the scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex and submit its report.

Government counsel Rajesh Mishra stated, District Judge AK Vishvesh dismissed the mosque management committee’s objection and provided the additional time to the ASI.

The ASI is carrying out a scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque premises, next to Kashi Vishwanath temple to determine whether the 17th-century mosque was constructed over a pre-existing structure of the Hindu temple.

The Allahabad High Court, on August 3, had dismissed a petition filed by the Muslim party, Anjuman Intejamia Masjid Committee, challenging the Varanasi court order. The High Court had given permission to ASI to carry out scientific restoration of the Gyanvapi Masjid complex except the ‘Vazukhana’ area.

Then the Masjid Committee approached the Supreme Court against the order of the High Court but the apex court alsobupheld the order of the Allahabad High Court.

Previously, in July, a Varanasi court directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for conducting a scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex located next to the Kashi Vishwanath temple here.