Supreme Court Pauses ASI Survey on Gyanvapi Premises, Allahabad High Court to Hear Mosque Panel’s Plea
The Supreme Court has temporarily halted the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) detailed scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque located near the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi. The survey aims to determine whether the mosque was built upon a pre-existing temple. The court’s order suspends the survey until 5 pm on July 26 and directs the Allahabad High Court to address an appeal filed by the mosque committee before that time.
The directive came after a Varanasi court instructed the ASI to conduct the survey, including excavations if required, to ascertain the historical background of the mosque and its connection to a temple that may have existed earlier.
Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, heading the bench, acknowledged the arguments presented by senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi on behalf of the mosque committee. As a result, the court stayed the action ordered by the Varanasi court and granted time for the committee to file an appeal.
The ongoing dispute between the temple and mosque has sparked fervent debate in recent times. The Gyanvapi mosque has been a subject of contention for many years, with claims suggesting that it stands on the site of a demolished ancient temple. Hindu groups have long called for an examination of the mosque’s origins.
However, the issue of Gyanvapi’s historical claim has the potential to cause religious tensions and disrupt communal harmony. As a result, the matter requires careful handling to ensure a peaceful resolution that respects all stakeholders involved.
Given the sensitive nature of the case, the Supreme Court’s decision to halt the ASI survey allows for a more thorough examination of the legal and constitutional aspects. This move also grants the Allahabad High Court the opportunity to scrutinize the appeal filed by the mosque committee while considering the overall implications of the case.
The court’s intervention aims to strike a balance between preserving the historical significance of the site and addressing the concerns raised by both the Hindu and Muslim communities involved.
While the Supreme Court’s order suspends the ASI survey temporarily, it opens the door for the Allahabad High Court to evaluate the appeal and offer a platform for debate and discussion. All perspectives and opinions should be considered, ensuring a fair and unbiased resolution.
As legal proceedings continue, it is crucial to maintain respect for both religious sentiments and uphold the principles of justice. The Supreme Court’s decision ensures that the matter will be examined thoroughly and judiciously, giving due consideration to all interested parties.
