The Varanasi Court has postponed the hearing pertaining to the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque to January 3. This comes in the backdrop of the work boycott by the lawyers.
Earlier, the findings of the scientific survey conducted on the Gyanvapi Mosque were expected to be revealed on Thursday, had the court continued hearing the matter as per the schedule — December 21.
The court had ordered the scientific survey to determine whether the 17th-century structure was built on a pre-existing Hindu temple.
ASI submitted its report on December 18 after it carried out a 92-days long scientific survey on the premises of the Gyanvapi mosque excluding the Wazukhana. The report was submitted before the Varanasi district Judge Ajaya Krishna Vishvesha.
The Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee — which manages the Gyanvapi Mosque — moved a petition before the court seeking a copy of the report. While also requesting the court to ensure that the findings of the report are not leaked.
The development came after the Archaeological body filed an appeal in the Varanasi district court in November this year, seeking an additional three weeks to submit the report of the scientific survey conducted on the Gyanvapi Mosque premises.
Varanasi District Judge AK Vishvesha on July 21 had ordered ASI to conduct a comprehensive survey of the mosque using dating, excavation and ground penetrating (GPR) techniques. He held that a scientific investigation was “necessary” for the “true facts” to come out.
The judge however, excluded the Wazukhana section, where the Hindu side claims to have found a Shivling during an earlier survey. But the Muslim side said that the structure is part of a fountain and that part has remained sealed since a Supreme Court order in May 2022.
The survey of the Gyanvapi Mosque premises began in August this year and was completed on November 2. However, during this period, ASI sought multiple extensions, citing the thoroughness required in making the report.
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