Date: July 25, 2023

In a recent hearing at the Allahabad High Court, the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee presented arguments challenging the Varanasi Court's order mandating an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey of the Gyanvapi Mosque premises. The committee, which oversees 22 mosques, including the Gyanvapi Mosque, expressed apprehension that the proposed survey could create upheaval in the country.

Senior Counsel SFA Naqvi, representing the Committee, contended that the ASI was not a party to the original suit, and their involvement in the matter had not been properly communicated. Additionally, the Committee raised concerns about the potential consequences of the scientific survey and the subsequent excavation on the entire mosque premises.

In response, Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Caveator, cited the assurance given by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta in the Supreme Court that the ASI survey would not cause any damage or demolition to the structure. The District Judge's order also specifically stated that the survey would be conducted without causing harm.

The Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Pritinker Diwaker questioned whether similar surveys had been conducted elsewhere in the country, referring to the Ayodhya Ram Janma Bhumi case, where the ASI had conducted an extensive survey.

The main contention of the Anjuman Committee's Article 227 plea before the High Court is that the ASI is being used by the opposing parties to collect evidence on their behalf, raising doubts about the genuineness of the survey and the speed at which ASI officials reached the spot following the Varanasi Court's order on July 21.

The petition also challenges the necessity of the ASI survey, considering the lack of evidence presented by the plaintiffs, four Hindu women worshippers, who seek evidence of alleged facts within the Gyanvapi Mosque premises.

The hearing will continue tomorrow at 9:30 am, with the Allahabad High Court set to hear arguments from both sides.

It is essential to note that the case revolves around the historical significance of the Gyanvapi Mosque, with the Anjuman Committee asserting that the mosque has been in the possession of Muslims since its inception and disputing claims that it was built by Aurangzeb.

The court's decision on this matter will have significant implications for religious harmony and the preservation of historical structures in the country.