Gyanvapi Mosque Complex: Allahabad HC grants green light to Archaeological Survey of India to conduct survey

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• Aug 3, 2023 | Poonam Nath

The Varanasi Gyanvapi mosque complex will be surveyed by the Archaeological Survey of India, a decision from Allahabad HC...

Digital Desk:  The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been approved by the Allahabad High Court to survey the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi.

Previously, the Allahabad High Court directed the ASI not to begin the study of the Gyanvapi mosque while the matter was still being heard by the Supreme Court, which had put a full scientific survey on hold until 5 p.m. on July 26.

In the Gyanvapi survey case, the Hindu side's attorney, Vishnu Shankar Jain, stated, "Allahabad HC has stated that ASI survey of Gyanvapi mosque complex should proceed. Order from Sessions court affirmed by HC."

Last month, a Varanasi court authorised ASI to survey the mosque, except for the Wazukhana, which has a feature that some allege is a Shivling. The survey's objective is to ascertain whether the Kashi Vishwanath temple was demolished to build the masjid.

The Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee then appealed the Varanasi District Judge's ruling on July 21. On Thursday, the Allahabad High Court rejected the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee's appeal.

In response, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Keshav Prasad Maurya said, "I welcome this verdict after the ASI survey and the Gyanvapi matter are handled, I am convinced that the truth will be revealed."

AIMPLB member Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali responded to the verdict by saying, "We are hoping that justice will be served as this mosque is approximately 600 years old and Muslims have been performing namaz there for the last 600 years. We also support the Places of Worship Act's application to all places of worship across the nation. The Muslim side will consider petitioning the SC to challenge this order."