The District Court of Varanasi heard the petitions from the Hindu side on Wednesday. The evidence collected by the Archaeological Survey of India suggests that they want to ensure proper storage and protection of any material that may support their claims related to the mosque.

The Hindu side requested the reservation of Gyanvapi mosque premises. They seek control or access to a portion of the mosque surroundings as part of their legal argument or investigation related to the case.

This legal dispute and its historical and religious significance are important to note. Proceedings and outcomes can vary, but the court will ultimately decide how to proceed with the request in the whole case. It revolves around the question of whether the mosque was built on the site of a pre-existing Hindu temple, and it has been a source of contention between Hindu and Muslim communities for many years.

“The Muslim side has raised many objections to the survey. The Archaeological Survey of India has submitted an affidavit saying that the survey will not cause any damage to the mosque. The premises are littered with debris, which is causing hindrance to the survey. All these issues will be argued during the hearing. The court should give a clear verdict to resolve these issues,” Mr. Chaturvedi said.

The Allahabad High Court allowed the Archaeological Survey of India to conduct a survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi until October 6, 2023, to complete the survey and submit the report. The Anjuma Intezamia of the Masjid Committee has challenged ASI regarding the Mosque complex to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi.

The complex, adjacent to Kashi Vishwanath Temple, began excluding on August 4, following the Allahabad High Court’s order, allowing the Archaeological Survey of India to conduct the survey to determine if the mosque was constructed over a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple. The Masjid Committee moved to the Supreme Court, challenging the Allahabad High Court order.

-Uttara Singh Chauhan