Controversy Over ASI Survey of Gyanvapi Mosque Wazukhana

The Allahabad High Court has been informed by the mosque management committee that the survey of the Gyanvapi Mosque Wazukhana is not permissible due to a Supreme Court order to preserve the area. The petitioner, Rakhi Singh, has challenged the district judge's refusal for the ASI survey, claiming it is essential for justice.

An ASI survey of the Gyanvapi Mosque's Wazukhana is prohibited according to a Supreme Court order that mandates the area's preservation, the mosque management committee informed the Allahabad High Court.

The Anjuman Intezamia Committee filed a counter-affidavit on Thursday, asserting that the matter involving the Wazukhana and 'Shiv Linga' is still under the purview of the Supreme Court, which has issued a stay order requiring the area to be preserved. The responsibility for its security has been placed on the District Magistrate, Varanasi.

The committee argues that the petitioner should seek clarification from the Supreme Court about its 2022 order, instead of pursuing further action. Consequently, the District Judge, Varanasi, rightly dismissed the Hindu side's October 21, 2023 application seeking an ASI survey, as it contradicts the Supreme Court's interim orders. Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal acknowledged the affidavit and gave the petitioner two weeks to file a rejoinder, setting the next hearing for September 9.

(With inputs from agencies.)