Gyanvapi Mosque Case: Hindu Side Demands ASI Survey Of 'Shivling', Files Plea In SC

NEW DELHI: In a significant development in the Gyanvapi Mosque dispute, Hindu petitioners have approached the Supreme Court with a fervent plea. On Monday, they urged the Court to direct the Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a detailed survey of the alleged 'Shivling' and its surrounding areas within the mosque's premises.

An application is filed in the Supreme Court by Hindu plaintiff in Gynvapi case seeking directed to vacate its May 19, 2023 order by which it had put on hold the scientific survey of a “Shivling” said to have been found at the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi during a… pic.twitter.com/QV4T5OtYJs — ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2024

Plea for De-sealing 'Wazukhana' Area And ASI Survey

The petition filed by the Hindu representatives calls for the unsealing of the 'wazukhana' area in the Gyanvapi mosque. They are seeking permission from the apex court for the ASI to carry out an extensive investigation in and around the 'wazukhana', emphasizing the need to preserve the 'Shivling' that they claim is located there.

The application seeks direction from the Director General of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to make necessary investigation/survey of the alleged “Shivling” to determine its nature and associated features without causing any damage to the “Shivling” situated within the… https://t.co/gT5s8z8rv9 — ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2024

VHP Seeks Nod For Worship In Disputed Area

Following the ASI's confirmation of a temple structure beneath the Gyanvapi mosque, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has been advocating for the commencement of religious practices in the disputed 'Wazukhana' area. Alok Kumar, the VHP's international working president, has called for mutual respect in this sensitive matter. He suggested relocating the mosque to enable the reconstruction of the temple, supposedly at its original site.

In a social media post, Alok Kumar cited the ASI's discoveries of the 'Shivlinga' and various inscriptions within the mosque, reinforcing the claim of its original identity as a Hindu temple. He argued that these findings are in line with the Places of Worship Act, 1991, and called for the site's formal recognition as a Hindu temple.

AIMPLB Disputes ASI's Conclusions

On the other hand, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has contested the ASI's conclusions. Qasim Rasool Ilyas, an executive member of the AIMPLB, criticized the ASI report, labeling it inconclusive and lacking definitive proof in the contentious case.

Release Of ASI Survey Report

The legal battle has escalated with the Varanasi court's order to distribute certified copies of the ASI report to both Hindu and Muslim parties involved. This move came after the Allahabad High Court denied a plea by Muslim litigants to stop the ASI's scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque.

Path To Resolution?

As the standoff between the two communities continues, the release of the ASI report represents a critical moment in the dispute. With both sides interpreting the historical evidence differently, finding a common ground appears challenging. The situation underscores the complex and sensitive nature of the Gyanvapi case, with potential implications on communal harmony and historical interpretations in India.