In a hearing held on the second day of the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee's challenge to the Varanasi District Judge's ASI Survey order for the Gyanvapi Mosque, the Allahabad High Court has raised "strong doubts" regarding the proposed survey methodology. The court expressed concerns after the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) failed to provide a clear explanation of the survey method.

The ASGI, representing ASI, stated that they would use the Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) method, assuring that no damage would be caused to the mosque structure, as per the Varanasi Court's order. However, the court remained unconvinced.

As a result, Chief Justice Pritinker Diwaker directed the ASGI to present an ASI official from Varanasi with an affidavit explaining the structure and details of the proposed survey by 4:30 pm on the same day. The court is expected to make a decision on the fate of the Gyanvapi Mosque challenge after 4:30 pm, as the Supreme Court's order, which stayed the ASI survey until 5 pm that day, is about to expire.

Background:

The case arose when the Anjuman Mosque Committee challenged the Varanasi Court's order, which directed ASI to survey the mosque premises, excluding the wuzukhana (ritual washing area). This order was issued based on an application filed by four Hindu women worshippers who sought year-round access to worship inside the mosque premises.

The Supreme Court had granted a stay on the ASI survey until the High Court hearing, providing the Mosque committee with some time to approach the High Court.

Yesterday's Arguments:

Senior Counsel SFA Naqvi, representing the Anjuman Committee, argued that the application filed by the four Hindu women worshippers was premature, as the pleadings in the case were incomplete. He contended that the plaintiffs were asking the court to use ASI to collect evidence for their case, which is impermissible.

Chief Justice Pritinker Diwaker questioned the harm in seeking evidence and suggested that the plaintiffs could be asked to give an undertaking not to damage the mosque structure during the survey.

Today's Proceedings:

Senior Counsel Naqvi reiterated concerns about potential damage to the mosque structure during excavation proposed under three domes. He pointed out that the Varanasi Court's order lacked clear reasons and findings and was passed without giving proper consideration.

Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Caveators, clarified that excavation was not planned inside the mosque and that the GPR method would be used initially, followed by excavation only if necessary.

The Court asked ASGI to explain the proposed survey in detail but was not convinced. ASGI was directed to call an ASI official/expert for a demonstration at 4:30 pm.

The hearing will continue at 4:30 pm today.