The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has restarted its investigation into whether the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi was built over a Hindu temple. The mosque committee has filed an appeal with the Supreme Court.
Here are some key points about this major story:
1. The Allahabad High Court approved a’scientific study’ of the mosque on August 3 2023, saying it was necessary in the interests of justice.
2. The survey started about 7.00 am. Members of the ASI team, as well as representatives of Hindu petitioners in a legal battle over the mosque, were present within the complex under airtight security arrangements.
3. Several BJP politicians applauded the high court decision, claiming that the “truth” concerning the temple at the site would soon be revealed.
4. One of the Hindu parties has also filed a caveat in the Supreme Court, requesting that no orders be issued without first hearing them on the case.
5. The Hindu petitioners claim that a temple existed on the site before the 17th century and was demolished on the orders of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb.
6. Previously, the Supreme Court forbade any survey within the mosque compound. According to the Supreme Court judgement, the mosque’s ‘wazukhana,’ which houses a building that the petitioners alleged was a’shivling,’ will be exempt from the new survey.
7. A Varanasi district court ordered the scientific study’ on July 21 after four women filed a plea arguing that it was the only way to ascertain if the famous mosque was erected after razing a Hindu temple.
8. The poll began on July 24, but it was halted by the Supreme Court within hours when the mosque committee petitioned it.
9. The mosque committee said that because the edifice is over a thousand years old, any excavating could undermine it and cause it to collapse. The committee also claimed that any such poll would be in breach of existing rules governing sacred sites.