The Varanasi district court has granted the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) an additional 10 days to complete and submit a scientific survey report on the Gyanvapi mosque complex. District Judge A K Vishvesh addressed the ASI's request for a three-week extension, expressing hope that no further time would be sought. The next hearing is scheduled for December 11, as reported by PTI.
The ASI initiated the survey on August 4 within the barricaded area of the Gyanvapi premises, excluding its sealed section. The objective is to determine whether the 17th-century mosque was built over a pre-existing Hindu temple structure. The Muslim side, represented by lawyer Mohammad Ikhlaq, strongly opposed the request for more time, emphasizing the need for a conclusive end to the process.
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The court's order expects the ASI to file the report within the provided time and refrain from seeking further extensions. Earlier, on November 2, the ASI informed the court of completing the survey but requested additional time for compiling the report and detailing the equipment used. The court had granted an extension until November 17.
Despite objections from the mosque management committee, the survey was deemed necessary by the Allahabad High Court in the interest of justice. The Gyanvapi committee had raised concerns about unauthorized digging and debris accumulation during the survey. The Supreme Court, while refusing to stay the high court's order, instructed the ASI not to conduct invasive acts during the survey, ruling out excavations.
