Prayagraj: The management committee of the Gyanvapi Mosque has informed the Allahabad High Court that an ASI survey of the mosque’s Wazukhana is not permissible, PTI reported.
The management committee cited a Supreme Court order mandating the preservation of the area.
On Thursday, the Anjuman Intezamia Committee filed a counter-affidavit opposing the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey of the Wazukhana (ablution area). The affidavit stated that the Supreme Court is already handling the matter concerning the Wazukhana and the ‘Shiv Linga,’ with a stay order in place requiring the area to be preserved under the supervision of the district magistrate of Varanasi.
The affidavit argued that any further action would be inappropriate and suggested that the petitioner seek clarification from the Supreme Court regarding its 2022 order.
It also justified the October 21, 2023 decision by the Varanasi District Judge, who rejected the Hindu side’s request for an ASI survey of the Wazukhana area, except for the Shiva Linga, based on the Supreme Court’s interim orders.
Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal of the Allahabad High Court, after recording the affidavit, granted the petitioner’s counsel two weeks to file a rejoinder, scheduling the next hearing for September 9.
The civil revision was filed by Rakhi Singh, who is challenging the Varanasi district judge’s October 21, 2023, decision to refuse the ASI survey of the Wazukhana, except for the Shiva Linga inside the Gyanvapi mosque. Singh, one of the plaintiffs in the Shringar Gauri worship suit pending in the Varanasi court, argued that the survey is crucial for ensuring justice and would benefit both sides, aiding the court in reaching a fair decision.
The petitioner’s counsel also highlighted that the ASI survey is necessary to determine the religious character of the entire property, suggesting that non-invasive methods could be employed for the Wazukhana area, excluding the Shiva Linga, as per Supreme Court directions.
Previously, the ASI had conducted a scientific survey of the Gyanvapi complex based on a July 21, 2023 order from the Varanasi district judge to investigate whether the mosque was built on a pre-existing Hindu temple structure.
