As the scientific, non-invasive survey conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) inside the Gyanvapi mosque complex entered day six today, the Muslim side has approached the district court seeking a ban on the media coverage of the survey.
The Allahabad High Court on August 3 dismissed a petition by the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee against a lower court order and directed the ASI to survey the mosque.
A day after, Supreme Court also upheld the high court order.
Muslim side's application on media ban
The Muslim side said in its application,"The ASI survey is going on as per the orders of the court and no official statement has been given by any officer. But there has been constant coverage of the survey on social media, television and newspapers."
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The onjectin from the Muslim side surfaced as they found the media coverage 'misleading'. The litigants feared it will influence the opinion of the people and must be stopped.
ASI's survey underway
As per media reports, the archaeological body surveyed the the domes and basement of the Gyanvapi complex including the northern walls.
Following the Suprme Court's directions, the ASI team is measuring and mapping areas with machines, including 3D imaging instruments, and carried out the photography of the complex.
In a bid to maintain confidentiality, the advocates and plaintiffs have been directed to remain tightlipped about the ASI survey.
Members of the Muslim side were also present during the survey. They boycotted the exercise on the first day of the survey.
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The team divided itself into three groups and surveyed the northern wall, the dome and the basements of the complex, a government counsel told news agency PTI.
Accoridng to Vishnu Shankar Jain, the Hindu side's lawyer, a detailed scientific study is being done inside the premises according to the court order. Another lawyer said the ASI team is collecting evidence and besides the dome and pavilion of the complex, the basements were surveyed, PTI reported.
Earlier, the ASI took pictures and videos of the trident (trishul), swastika, bell and a flower-like symbol engraved on the walls and pillars of the Gyanvapi complex. ASI officials also recorded the construction style of the symbols.
