Varanasi, 08 Sept: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was given an extension of eight weeks by a Varanasi court on Friday to finish the scientific study of the Gyanvapi mosque complex and submit its report.
According to government attorney Rajesh Mishra, District Judge A K Vishvesh disregarded the mosque management committee’s objection and granted the ASI the additional time.
The ASI is conducting a scientific assessment of the Gyanvapi mosque grounds, which are next to the Kashi Vishwanath temple, to ascertain if the 17th-century mosque was built on top of an existing Hindu temple construction.
The study was launched after the Allahabad High Court upheld a Varanasi district court decision, ruling that the action is “necessary in the interest of justice” and will benefit both Hindu and Muslim communities.
