In a significant development, a court in Varanasi issued a directive on Wednesday, instructing that the Archaeological Survey of India's (ASI's) scientific survey report on the Gyanvapi Mosque complex be made public.
The court further mandated the distribution of hard copies of the report to both Hindu and Muslim parties involved in the ongoing legal proceedings. To access the report, the concerned parties will be required to submit an affidavit.
This pivotal decision comes on the heels of the ASI submitting its comprehensive report in a sealed cover to the Varanasi district court on December 18.
The court's move to grant access to the report is aimed at fostering transparency and fairness in the continuing legal dispute. Both the Hindu and Muslim sides will now have the opportunity to examine the findings and conclusions presented by the ASI.
Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, who represented the Hindu side, provided insight into the court proceedings, saying: "Today, the court heard both sides, and a consensus was reached that the hard copy of the ASI's report will be provided to both sides... The ASI objected to providing the report via email. So, both sides agreed to get the hard copy of the report."
The dispute revolves around a structure discovered in the Gyanvapi Mosque complex on May 16, 2022, during a court-mandated survey. The Hindu side claims it to be a "Shivling," while the Muslim side describes it as a "fountain." This discovery has been at the center of the broader Gyanvapi mosque-Kashi Vishwanath temple dispute between the two parties.
Specifically, the 'Wazu' area of the Gyanvapi mosque has been a focal point of contention. Hindu parties assert the presence of a 'Shivling' in that spot, while the Muslim side disputes this claim, contending that it is merely a water fountain.
In a related development on January 16, the Supreme Court granted approval to an application filed by Hindu women petitioners, directing the cleaning of the entire area of 'wazukhana' of Gyanvapi mosque, where the alleged 'Shivling' was found, and maintaining hygienic conditions. This ruling further underscores the multifaceted nature of the legal proceedings surrounding the Gyanvapi complex.
