The recent developments surrounding the Gyanvapi Mosque case have caught the attention of the nation. The Allahabad High Court, in a significant decision, extended the stay order on the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey at the Gyanvapi Mosque until Thursday, 27th July. The court will reconvene to continue hearing the plea against the ASI survey of the mosque premises at 3:30 PM on the specified date.
The legal saga began on 21st July when a Varanasi court issued a directive to the ASI to conduct a thorough survey, including excavations if necessary, to determine whether the mosque was constructed on the site of a former temple. This decision sparked widespread interest and debates, given the religious and historical significance of the site.
In an unusual twist, the Supreme Court unexpectedly revived a Gyanvapi panel plea on 24th July, which was inadvertently disposed of earlier. The Supreme Court had previously stayed the ASI survey until 26th July, 5 PM, to allow the Masjid committee adequate time to approach the High Court. However, the revived plea reignited the discussions surrounding the case.
The Gyanvapi Mosque committee expressed concerns about the potential structural damage that could result from the excavation process. The court questioned their level of trust in the judicial process when they appeared skeptical about the ASI’s assurances that no harm would be inflicted on the historical monument.
In response to the Varanasi Court’s order, the Anjuman Mosque Committee took the matter to the Allahabad High Court. Their challenge focused on the Varanasi Court’s decision to survey the mosque premises, excluding the wuzukhana, an area designated for ablution.
During the hearing, the Allahabad High Court voiced doubts about the ASI’s proposed survey methodology. The ASGI, representing the ASI, struggled to provide a clear and convincing explanation, which further intensified the court’s skepticism.
Although the ASGI clarified that the Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) method would be utilized, following the Varanasi Court’s instructions to prevent damage to the structure, the High Court remained uncertain about the intended approach.
The developments surrounding the Gyanvapi Mosque case continue to intrigue the nation, and all eyes are on the upcoming hearing as it may determine the course of future actions in this highly sensitive and significant legal matter.