Gyanvapi Mosque: Allahabad HC permits ASI survey, mentions matter for August 07 hearing on protection of Hindu symbols and signs
Today, the Allahabad High Court (HC) upheld the order of the Varanasi Court allowing ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) to conduct the scientific survey (except for wuzukhana where ‘Shivling’ was found) of the Gyanvapi Mosque to determine if the Mosque was built on top of a pre-existing ancient Hindu temple. The HC dismissed the plea filed by the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee challenging the Varanasi Court’s order delivered on July 21, 2023. While dismissing the plea, Chief Justice of the Allahabad HC Pritinker Diwaker stated that “Issue of a commission is permissible. The Varanasi Court was justified in ordering for ASI survey of the premises. Scientific survey is necessary in the interest of justice”. The HC also ensured that the ASI team will work with care and not damage anything stating, “It’s a scientific process”. Earlier on July 27, 2023, the HC stayed the ASI survey till August 3 (today).
On July 24, 2023, the Supreme Court of India stayed the ASI survey till July 26, 5 PM, allowing some breathing time to the Masjid committee so that they can approach the Allahabad HC regarding the Varanasi District Court’s order to conduct the survey. During the Court proceedings today, Senior Advocate SFA Naqvi appearing for the Mosque committee stated that “ASI was not a party before the District Judge. All directions have been issued to them. Secondly, if a state party is not a party to the case. It should be communicated to them properly in writing. Yesterday, the entire 30-member team of ASI reached the Mosque.” After hearing the matter, the Allahabad HC ordered ASI to continue the survey of the Gyanvapi Mosque. In this context, Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya stated that “I welcome this verdict. I am confident that the truth will come out after the ASI survey and the Gyanvapi issue will be resolved.”
Along with this, a fresh plea was mentioned before the HC by Rakhi Singh, who was one of the petitioners in the Gyanvapi-Shringar Gauri case. The plea seeks protection of ‘Hindu signs and symbols’ in the Gyanvapi Mosque complex in Varanasi. As per PIL, non-Hindus should be prohibited from entering the Mosque till the Varanasi Court delivers its verdict in the Shringar Gauri case. The matter was mentioned for further hearing on August 07, 2023. In response to this, the secretary of the Gyanvapi Mosque Committee (Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee) said that they did not receive a copy of the petition. It added, “Once we receive the copy of the petition, our legal team will prepare its reply”.
Also Read: Supreme Court Latest Updates
