Varanasi court grants 4 weeks to ASI for completing Gyanvapi mosque survey

The counsel of the Hindu side Madan Mohan Yadav said that the court of District Judge Ajay Krishna Vishvesha granted four more weeks time to the ASI to submit its scientific report on an application moved by the agency.

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

In its application, the ASI had 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.

The agency in its application had 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.

The court said, "I agree with the learned counsel for ASI that because of rains, the survey work was badly affected. I also agree with the counsel for ASI that removal of debris and trash from the cellars takes considerable time because it is a slow process and the ASI ensures that no damage may be caused to the existing structure. Therefore, I am of the view that application is liable to be allowed."

"Application is allowed. The ASI is given four more weeks to complete the survey work and submission of the report. Put up on October 12 for disposal of application under section 372 CrPC and also disposal of remaining applications," the court order read.