Gyanvapi Mosque Case Takes a Fresh Turn as ASI Releases Survey Report’

The Gyanvapi mosque case took a fresh turn this week as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) released its survey report. The case revolves around the conflict between the Hindu and Muslim sides regarding a structure found on the premises next to the Kashi Vishwanath temple, known as the Gyanvapi mosque.

Lawyers representing the Hindu side claim that the structure is a ‘Shivling’ while the Muslim side labels it as a fountain. The area surrounding this structure, the ‘Wazu’ area, has been sealed since 2022 following a Supreme Court order after the purported Shivling was discovered.

The ASI conducted a scientific survey of the Gyanvapi premises in response to a district court order in July 2023. The aim was to determine whether the mosque was built over an existing Hindu temple.

The ASI survey report, which has been made public following the Varanasi court’s direction, states that a large Hindu temple existed before the construction of the current structure of the Gyanvapi mosque. This finding is seen as crucial evidence by the Hindu side in the ongoing legal battle.

Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, expressed confidence that they would be on the verge of victory once the ASI survey report clarifies the Shivling-fountain debate. Jain stated, ‘I am confident that we will be able to see the day when Gyanvapi will be free of this illegal encroachment.’

In January, the Supreme Court allowed an application by women Hindu petitioners to clean the ‘wazukhana’ area of the Gyanvapi mosque, where the alleged Shivling was found. The court emphasized ensuring a hygienic state. The sealed area has been cleaned and is now under the custody of the Varanasi District Magistrate.

Eleven people, including individuals from both the Hindu and Muslim sides, have applied for copies of the ASI survey report on the Gyanvapi mosque complex. The applicants are expected to receive the report either on Thursday or Monday, after a scrutiny of the applications, according to counsel for the Hindu litigants, Madan Mohan Yadav.

This development in the Gyanvapi mosque case marks a significant milestone. The release of the ASI survey report has brought renewed hopes and expectations for both sides involved.