As the primary deadline of four weeks to submit the report on scientific survey of the much controversial Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi ended today, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) sought an extension of eight more weeks to complete the survey. ASI was initially granted four weeks of time to complete its survey in the mosque complex. Following the Allahabad High Court's order, ASI initiated the scientific survey on August 4.
As per media reports, citing incompletion of the scientific survey to ascertain whether the mosque was constructed over a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple in 17th century, ASI has asked for eight more weeks to complete the survey.
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Seeking the extension, ASI has filed an application before the Varanasi court today. The Additional Dustrict Judge of Varanasi court will hear the matter on September 8.
What did the ASI say about the survey?
According to an advocate, Sudhir Tripathi, representing the Hindu petitioners, “the survey is not completed yet".
“ASI may give a primary report but they should not submit the final report yet as the survey is incomplete. After lunch, the court will hear the matter. There is a possibility that ASI may ask for more time from the court," Tripathi told reporters.
Shubhash Nandan Chaturvedi, also a lawyer representing Hindu litigants, said the four weeks given by the Varanasi district court to ASI to complete its survey end on Saturday.
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“We think that the survey is not completed yet and ASI may make a request to extend the date," he said.
