Fri Nov 22 16:21:11 UTC 2024: ## Supreme Court Seeks Mosque Committee Response on Gyanvapi ASI Survey

**New Delhi, October 27** – The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Gyanvapi mosque committee to respond within two weeks to a plea seeking an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey of a sealed area within the mosque. The plea was filed by the Hindu side, who claim a shivling was found at the site in May 2022.

The court’s order follows a series of legal battles surrounding the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi, adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath temple. The Hindu side maintains the mosque was built on the site of a demolished temple, while the Muslim side contends the structure is a fountain. A court-ordered survey in May 2022 led to the discovery of a structure in the mosque’s wazukhana (ablution area), which the Hindu side claims is a shivling.

While the Supreme Court previously allowed the ASI to conduct a survey of the Gyanvapi complex, excluding the area where the disputed structure is located, this latest petition seeks to extend the survey to the sealed area. The court also heard arguments regarding the consolidation of various lawsuits related to the Gyanvapi complex and its transfer to the Allahabad High Court. All matters have been adjourned to December 17. The ASI survey, when conducted, is to be non-invasive and its evidentiary value remains subject to legal challenges.

Read More