The Allahabad High Court seeks response from the Anjuman Intezamia Mosque Committee, which oversees the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi. This follows a plea filed before the court, seeking an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) investigation into the 'wazukhana' area located within the mosque premises.

A bench comprising by Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal has called for the Mosque committee's response on a Civil Revision plea challenging the Varanasi District Judge's decision from October 21, 2023. The plea seeks to overturn the judge's refusal to direct the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a survey of the Wazukhana area within the Gyanvapi Mosque, excluding the 'Shiva Linga'.

The revision plea has been filed by Rakhi Singh, identified as plaintiff no. 1 in the ongoing Shringar Gauri Worshipping suit 2022 before the Varanasi Court, represented by Advocate Saurabh Tiwari.

In her revision plea, Singh emphasized the necessity of surveying the Wuzukhana area in the interest of justice. Such an examination is deemed crucial for the equitable benefit of both plaintiffs and defendants, aiming to assist the court in rendering a fair judgment in the ongoing 2022 suit.

It has also been argued that the Varanasi District Judge, in his order dated October 21, did not appropriately exercise the jurisdiction vested in the court by law to mandate the survey of the Wuzukhana area.

During today's hearing, Justice Agarwal raised questions through Singh's counsel regarding the necessity of an additional survey, given that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had previously conducted a survey of the mosque premises and submitted its report.

In response, Advocate Tiwari underscored the importance of conducting an additional survey to ascertain the religious significance of the site. He further argued that it is feasible to survey the Wuzukhana area (excluding the 'Shiva Linga') using non-invasive methods, as mandated by directives from the Supreme Court.

Further,  the bench directed the muslim committee to file a counter in the case and set the next hearing for August 20. Justice Agarwal also urged Advocate Tiwari to be thoroughly prepared for the proceedings, emphasizing the case's importance as a 'significant matter'