Administration snubs Masjid committee’s request to wait for SC order, ASI begins survey in Gyanvapi

Varanasi: The district administration of Varanasi did not heed the request from the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid committee to hold back the scientific survey by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as a plea challenging the Allahabad High Court’s order is due to be heard in the Supreme Court today.

Amidst tight security arrangements, the court-ordered scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi commenced on Friday morning. However, the caretaker of the mosque, the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid committee, did not participate in the survey.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) team, consisting of over 40 officials, arrived at the mosque at 7 am to begin the survey. The survey was initiated after the Allahabad High Court dismissed the challenge brought by the mosque committee, effectively allowing the ASI to investigate whether the present structure was built over a pre-existing Hindu temple.

The Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee had requested the district administration to halt the survey until the matter was heard by the Supreme Court. However, the administration proceeded with the survey, citing compliance with court orders.

Shortly after the High Court's ruling, the mosque committee urgently approached the Supreme Court for a hearing. The Chief Justice of India, D Y Chandrachud, was informed of the matter and said he would look into it.

The Varanasi District and Sessions Judge, in his July 21 order, had directed the ASI to conduct the scientific investigation at the Gyanvapi mosque, excluding the sealed wuzukhana area, as per the Supreme Court's directions.

Chief Justice Diwaker's bench emphasized the importance of the scientific survey in the interest of justice and to benefit all parties involved in the case. They urged the Varanasi court to expedite the proceedings and avoid unnecessary adjournments.