Gyanvapi Row: Varanasi Court Asks DM To Preserve Items Related To Hindu Religion Found During ASI Survey

The Varanasi district court issued instructions to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Wednesday (13 September) to safeguard all objects with historical significance related to the Hindu religion uncovered during the scientific survey of the Gyanvapi premises. These preserved items will be submitted to the District Magistrate.

The district court also directed the District Magistrate or their designated representative to ensure the protection of these items and make them available to the Court as needed.

On one hand, the Hindu party has requested an evidence room to preserve the 'evidence' gathered during the ASI survey and to secure the Gyanvapi premises.

On the other hand, the Muslim party has raised objections to the utilization of machines and equipment by the ASI for conducting the survey.

The order precedes a hearing scheduled in the Allahabad High Court regarding a petition that questions the legality of a lawsuit aimed at "restoring" a temple located within the premises of the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi.

Furthermore, the court will consider another petition challenging a 2021 directive issued by a Varanasi court, which mandated a survey of the Gyanvapi mosque to be carried out by a commission led by a lawyer.

In August, the Allahabad High Court granted permission for the Archaeological Survey of India to conduct a survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi.

However, the court has now granted an additional four weeks to the ASI to complete the scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex, extending the deadline until 6 October 2023, for the survey's completion and report submission.