Allahabad HC to give verdict on August 3, interim stay on ASI survey to continue
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New Delhi: The Allahabad High Court will pronounce its verdict on the Gyanvapi mosque survey by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on August 3. The court also stated that the interim stay on the survey will continue until then.
High Court Chief Justice Pritinker Diwaker during the afternoon session, heard the arguments from both sides regarding the survey, which was temporarily halted by the Supreme Court on Monday. Senior ASI officials were also present in the courtroom.
“Verdict to be pronounced on August 3. Interim Order to continue till August 3," the court stated.
The High Court had extended the stay on the survey ordered by the apex court, till July 27. The Additional Director of ASI had earlier filed an affidavit in the High Court, stating that there will not be any damage to the mosque.
The high court was hearing a plea against a Varanasi district court order directing the ASI to conduct a scientific survey to determine if the Gyanvapi mosque was built upon a pre-existing temple.
Also Read: No ASI survey till Wed in Gyanvapi mosque, SC gives time to Muslim party to approach HC
Anjuman Intezamia Masjid, which manages the mosque, had moved the High Court, a day after the Supreme Court halted the ASI survey till 5 p.m. Wednesday, allowing time for the committee to appeal against the lower court’s order.
The court heard the arguments from both sides. Senior ASI officials were also present in the courtroom.
On Wednesday, the Allahabad High Court asked the ASI to not start the survey of Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi as the hearing on the matter is underway.
The committee for the mosque had on Tuesday expressed their apprehension that the survey and excavation would cause damage to the structure.
Gyanvapi mosque is located next to the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi and the Hindu petitioners had sought the survey to determine if the mosque was constructed on a pre-existing temple.
