New Delhi: Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side in the Gyanvapi Mosque dispute, provided updates on the ongoing legal proceedings concerning the controversial site. Speaking about the latest developments, Jain stated that the Supreme Court heard an interim application (IA) requesting an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) investigation of the sealed area of the Gyanvapi mosque complex.
The application stems from a claim made on May 16, 2022, by the Hindu litigants, asserting that a ‘Shivling’ was discovered in the so-called ‘Wazu Tank’ area during a court-ordered videographic survey. This claim has been contested by the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee, which maintains that the object in question is a fountain.
Jain explained, “We had asked for an ASI investigation of this area to ascertain the facts. Our IA was listed before the Supreme Court today. In response, the court has issued a notice to Anjuman Intezamia, directing them to file their reply within two weeks.”
The Supreme Court has set December 17 as the next date for hearing the matter. This timeline provides an opportunity for the Anjuman Intezamia to submit its response, which will be crucial in determining the future course of the case.
The Gyanvapi mosque dispute remains one of the most sensitive and complex legal matters in India, involving questions of religious heritage, faith, and historical claims. The request for an ASI investigation aims to shed light on the contested findings, which are pivotal to resolving the case.
As the case continues to unfold, it underscores the ongoing challenges in balancing religious sentiments and historical inquiry within India’s legal framework.
