Introduction:
In a recent development in the ongoing Gyanvapi mosque dispute, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted a detailed scientific survey of the mosque complex on Monday morning. This survey was ordered by the Varanasi District Court on Friday, in response to applications filed by four Hindu women plaintiffs seeking the right of unhindered worship at the Maa Shringar Gauri Sthal. However, hours after the ASI commenced the survey, the Supreme Court temporarily halted the enforcement of the district court’s order until Wednesday at 5 pm, allowing time for the mosque committee to appeal.
ASI Survey Amidst Tight Security:
At 7 am on Monday, a team of 43 members from ASI, along with the four Hindu women plaintiffs and senior administrative officials, entered the Gyanvapi premises to begin the survey. The team measured various parts of the barricaded area of the mosque complex, capturing photographs, videos, and even collecting soil samples. The survey aimed to determine whether the mosque was built over a pre-existing Hindu temple, a question central to the long-standing dispute.
Mosque Committee’s Response:
The Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee (AIMC), which manages the Gyanvapi mosque, decided to boycott the ASI survey. Upon hearing the Supreme Court’s order halting the survey, SM Yasin, the joint secretary of the mosque committee, expressed temporary relief. He stated that the mosque committee had not received a copy of the Varanasi court’s order for the survey until Monday morning, and they believe the ASI conducted the survey in a hurry after receiving the order.
Supreme Court’s Intervention:
The Supreme Court intervened in response to a petition filed by the AIMC, seeking relief from the district court’s order for the ASI survey. The apex court decided to provide “breathing time” to the mosque committee to allow them to appeal the district court’s order. As a result, the ASI team halted their survey efforts soon after the Supreme Court’s decision.
Previous Surveys and Disputed Area:
The disputed area includes a section of the mosque complex that has been sealed since a Supreme Court order in May 2022. The Hindu side claims that a Shivling (a representation of Lord Shiva) was found in this section, suggesting the presence of an ancient temple beneath the mosque. On the other hand, the Muslim side maintains that what was found is part of a fountain and refutes the claim that the mosque was built over a temple. Previously, a survey by an advocate commissioner was conducted in 2022, and the management committee opposed the need for another survey before the validity of the first survey was determined.
Conclusion:
The Gyanvapi mosque dispute remains a highly sensitive and contentious issue, with both Hindu and Muslim communities closely monitoring developments. The ASI’s detailed scientific survey, though temporarily halted by the Supreme Court, represents a significant step towards seeking the truth about the historical significance of the site. As the legal battle continues, it is crucial for all parties involved to respect the court’s decisions and engage in a constructive dialogue to find a peaceful resolution to the dispute.
