In a recent development, a Varanasi court has issued an order instructing the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to hand over all historically significant objects related to the Hindu religion that have been discovered during the ongoing survey of the Gyanvapi mosque. The court further directed the District Magistrate, or an individual nominated by them, to safeguard these items and present them in court when required.
Background and Context
This order comes ahead of an impending hearing in the Allahabad High Court pertaining to a petition challenging the validity of a lawsuit aimed at “restoring” a temple located within the premises of the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi. Additionally, the court will address another petition challenging a 2021 directive from a Varanasi court, which had mandated a survey of the Gyanvapi mosque to be conducted by a commission led by a lawyer.
The ASI has been engaged in conducting a scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque premises, which is situated adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath temple. The primary objective of this survey is to determine whether the 17th-century mosque was constructed atop a pre-existing Hindu temple structure.
This survey was initiated following a ruling by the Allahabad High Court, which upheld an order from a Varanasi district court. The High Court deemed this step “essential in the pursuit of justice” and potentially beneficial for both the Hindu and Muslim communities involved.
On September 8, the Varanasi court granted the ASI an additional four weeks to complete the scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex and submit its report.
The recent order to hand over historically significant objects underscores the significance of preserving and documenting any findings related to the Gyanvapi mosque survey, considering the religious and archaeological implications surrounding the site.
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