ASI Commences Court-Ordered Scientific Survey of Gyanvapi Mosque Complex in Varanasi, India
A team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has arrived at the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, to begin a court-ordered scientific survey. The survey aims to determine whether the mosque was constructed on the site of a pre-existing temple.
Under tight security, the survey commenced on Saturday morning and is expected to be completed without causing any damage to the structure or involving excavation. It follows a recent order by the Allahabad High Court granting the ASI permission to conduct the survey. The court dismissed a plea by the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee, a Muslim party, which sought to challenge the Varanasi court’s earlier order allowing the survey.
Sudhir Tripathi, a lawyer representing the Hindu side, expressed his hope that the scientific survey would provide clarity on the matter. He emphasized the importance of cooperation in completing the survey as soon as possible and welcomed the ASI’s involvement, which was directed by the Supreme Court. Tripathi also echoed the desire for a prompt resolution to the dispute.
The survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex is being conducted based on an application filed by four Hindu women in May 2023, and it excludes the Wuzu Khana area, where a Shivling was purportedly discovered last year. The Supreme Court affirmed that the entire survey would be completed using non-invasive methods and without excavation.
During the proceedings, the legal counsel for the mosque committee objected to the survey, raising concerns about the potential discovery of other structures beneath the mosque’s foundation. Nevertheless, the Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, emphasized that what might be deemed frivolous to some could hold religious significance for others. The Solicitor General for Uttar Pradesh, Tushar Mehta, assured the court that no drilling or damage would occur during the scientific survey.
The survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex is viewed as an attempt to uncover historical evidence and resolve the longstanding dispute regarding the origins of the structure. By adhering to the court’s orders and ensuring a non-invasive approach, the ASI hopes to shed light on the disputed site’s history and potentially facilitate a peaceful resolution to the contentious issue.
The ASI’s scientific survey represents a significant step toward understanding the complex’s historical foundations and reconciling differing viewpoints. While the survey is ongoing, it remains essential to respect all perspectives and maintain an unbiased approach toward the issue at hand.
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