Allahabad High Court stays ASI survey of the Gyanvapi Mosque till August 3

On July 27, the Allahabad High Court was hearing the matter related to the scientific survey to be conducted by ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) of the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi. Chief Justice (CJ) Pritinker Diwaker ordered to stay the ASI survey till August 3, 2023 (Thursday), after hearing both parties. He also stated that on August 3, the HC would pronounce the order against the Varanasi District Court’s order of the Gyanvapi mosque challenged by the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee. Earlier on July 24, the Supreme Court of India stayed the ASI survey of Gyanvapi Mosque till July 26, 5 PM. The top Court then gave this decision allowing some ‘breathing time’ to the Gyanvapi Masjid Committee to approach the HC against Varanasi District Court’s order to conduct the survey and submit the report on August 4. 

During the Court proceedings, ASI told the bench that it will complete the survey without any damage to the Gyanvapi Mosque by August 4. The survey excluded the area of Wazukhana where the ‘shivling’ was found. This order was passed by four Hindu Women Worshippers, party of a suit, seeking access to worship inside the premises of the Mosque. Chief Justice of the Allahabad HC on July 27, asked the Hindu side asking when the temple was built. Vishnu Shankar Jain replied to this, “The new temple was built by Ahilyabai Holkar. Aurangzeb had demolished the old temple and built a mosque.” The counsel of the Muslim side argued, “We are just being harassed as at least nine suits are pending. Kashi Vishwanath Trust is not filing any suit, third persons are filing… We are facing about 19 suits at this stage in Varanasi regarding the Gyanvapi.” After the arguments, the CJ of the HC stayed the ASI survey of Gyanvapi Mosque till August 3, 2023.

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