Supreme Court Stops Gyanvapi Survey Amid Controversy
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) team, tasked with conducting a survey of the Gyanvapi complex in Varanasi, had to halt its work after just three hours due to a stay order issued by the Supreme Court. The survey, which aimed to determine whether the Gyanvapi mosque was built on a Hindu temple, was initiated following a district court’s order on July 21. However, the Supreme Court’s recent decision has put a temporary stop to the proceedings.
The Supreme Court intervened in response to a contempt plea filed by the Anjuman Intezamia Masajid (AIM), the mosque management committee. Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud, heading the bench, ordered a stay until Wednesday evening to allow the AIM time to file an appeal against the district judge’s order in the high court. The apex court also directed the registrar (judicial) of the Allahabad High Court to ensure that the appeal is prioritized and heard before the stay order expires.
Varanasi Divisional Commissioner, Kaushal Raj Sharma, confirmed that the ASI has been instructed by the Supreme Court to cease the survey of the Gyanvapi complex until July 26.
Earlier, amid tight security and amidst a large crowd gathering on the third Monday of the holy Shrawan month, a 40-member ASI team entered the Gyanvapi compound. Divided into four units, they began measuring and photographing the area. However, the AIM boycotted the proceedings, claiming that they were not represented in the ASI survey. AIM joint secretary SM Yaseen expressed disappointment, stating that the committee had requested a day’s postponement due to the ongoing contempt petition in the Supreme Court. Their request was allegedly ignored.
The district judge, Ajay Krishna Vishvesha, had previously instructed the ASI to conduct a scientific investigation into the Gyanvapi mosque compound using methods such as ground-penetrating radar, excavation, and dating techniques to determine if it was constructed over a Hindu temple.
The Supreme Court’s decision to halt the survey has temporarily put the contentious Gyanvapi issue on hold. As the legal battle continues, different perspectives and opinions will undoubtedly emerge. The controversy surrounding the Gyanvapi complex illustrates the delicate balance between historical and religious sentiments, prompting important discussions about India’s rich cultural heritage.
