Setback for Hindu Parties in Gyanvapi Mosque Dispute: What Court Ruled About Additional ASI Survey?

In a recent development in the Gyanvapi Mosque dispute in Varanasi, the Hindu parties involved in the case experienced a setback. On Friday, the Varanasi District Court dismissed a petition from the Hindu side seeking an additional Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) excavation. The court’s decision comes after nearly 33 years of legal proceedings in this contentious matter.

The Hindu parties had argued that a 100-foot Shivling, a symbol sacred to Lord Shiva, was located beneath the primary dome of the Gyanvapi Mosque. They had filed a petition requesting an ASI survey to excavate the remaining parts of the mosque complex to substantiate their claim. However, the Muslim side opposed any excavation, asserting that the mosque should remain undisturbed. The case relates back to a suit filed by Somnath Vyas in 1991.

Located beside the historic Kashi Vishwanath Temple and near the Ganges Ghat, the Gyanvapi Mosque holds significance for both Hindu and Muslim communities. While Hindu parties assert that the mosque was once an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Muslim side maintains that it is, and always has been, a mosque.

Key Events in the Gyanvapi Mosque Dispute

The Gyanvapi case gained widespread attention in August of last year when Delhi resident Rakhi Singh, along with four other women, filed a petition seeking permission to worship deities, including Shringar Gauri, within the mosque premises. According to the petitioners, these deities are located in plot number 9130, which they claim is undisputed territory within the mosque complex. The petition also requested a comprehensive survey of the mosque to resolve the matter.

Court Ordered Survey

Eight months after this petition, a lower court in Varanasi ordered a videographic survey of the Gyanvapi Mosque premises. The order stirred national attention and led to opposition from members of the local Muslim community. Despite efforts by the Masjid Intezamia Committee, the mosque’s managing authority, to halt the survey, the Allahabad High Court upheld the lower court’s decision, allowing the survey to proceed.

Structure resembling a Shivling was discovered in wazukhana

During the survey, a structure resembling a Shivling was discovered in the wazukhana (ablution area) of the mosque. Following this, the mosque was temporarily sealed as authorities sought to investigate the matter further. However, the Supreme Court intervened, allowing local Muslims to continue offering prayers within the mosque. Since then, the mosque has been reopened for worship, and local Muslims have resumed regular prayers.

The Gyanvapi Mosque dispute continues to be a sensitive issue in India, balancing religious sentiments with legal proceedings. This recent judgment reflects the complexity of resolving such cases, especially when historical and religious identities intersect.