ASI Receives Green Light to Survey Gyanvapi Mosque Complex in Varanasi

In a significant development, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been granted permission by the Allahabad High Court to survey the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi. The survey is part of the ongoing Gyanvapi survey case, which aims to ascertain the historical facts surrounding the mosque and the nearby Kashi Vishwanath temple.

The Hindu side's attorney, Vishnu Shankar Jain, expressed satisfaction with the court's decision, stating, "Allahabad HC has stated that ASI survey of Gyanvapi mosque complex should proceed." This comes after a Varanasi court had previously authorized the ASI to conduct the survey, except for the Wazukhana area, which is believed to contain a Shivling, a sacred symbol in Hinduism.

The main objective of the ASI survey is to determine whether the Kashi Vishwanath temple was demolished to build the mosque, an issue that has been a subject of contention for years. The survey will shed light on the historical context and help establish the facts surrounding the site.

Responding to the verdict, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya expressed his approval, stating, "I welcome this verdict, and I am confident that the truth will come out after the ASI survey, and the issue will be resolved." On the other hand, AIMPLB member Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali expressed hope for justice, emphasizing the mosque's historical significance, with Muslims having performed namaz there for over six centuries. He also expressed support for the application of the Places of Worship Act to all places of worship in the country. However, he mentioned that the Muslim side is considering the possibility of petitioning the Supreme Court to challenge the order.

The survey was briefly put on hold by the Supreme Court until July 26 at 5 p.m. when the Allahabad High Court ordered the ASI to postpone the survey while the hearing was still ongoing. The district court ruling that mandated the ASI survey was being contested in court. To allay concerns, the ASI assured the court that there would be no damage to the structure, and no excavations would be conducted during the survey.

The Gyanvapi mosque complex holds immense historical and religious significance for both Hindus and Muslims. The survey conducted by the ASI under the guidance of the Allahabad High Court will help in unraveling the complex history of the site and contribute to a better understanding of India's rich cultural heritage. As the survey proceeds, it is hoped that all parties involved will respect the process and that the truth regarding the site's historical origins will be unveiled.