The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Wednesday moved an application in the district court seeking an extension of four more weeks time to submit its report on the scientific survey of the Gyanvapi complex.

Counsel of the Hindu side Subhash Nandan Chaturvedi claimed that the ASI in its application has prayed that due to debris present in the cellars (tehkhana) and dust accumulated there, it was taking time for the agency to conduct the survey and also due to intermittent rains the use of scientific instruments has become difficult.

He said that the agency in its application has stated that the debris is being removed very carefully and systematically which is a slow process and is going to take some more time before the ground of the cellars and structural features of the existing structures are cleared for a survey as directed by the court.

It may be noted that on September 8 the court of district judge Ajaya Krishna Vishvehsa granted 4 weeks time and asked the ASI to submit its report of Gyanvapi survey on October 6.

The ASI in an application moved in the district court on September 2 had sought an additional 8 weeks time to complete its scientific survey of the Gyanvapi complex. While admitting the ASI's application partially the court of District Judge Ajay Krishna Vishvesha granted 4 weeks additional time to the agency to complete the survey and scientific investigation.

The court directed the ASI to submit its report by October 6 and to follow the orders passed by the Allahabad High Court and the Supreme Court regarding the survey. The court said that it agreed with the ASI counsel that the survey work could not be completed in a haste.

It said that it takes time to prepare scientific investigation, survey and photographs. Besides, it said that the ASI has to ensure that no harm was caused to the figures and structure as directed by the court in its order on July 21.

The application to give additional time to the ASI to complete the survey was however opposed by the Muslim side. On the behalf of the Muslim side, it was submitted that two trucks of debris had been removed from the mosque complex and ASI was carrying excavation work in the basement which may cause damage to the Gyanvapi structure.

(With UNI inputs)