ASI Nears Completion of Gyanvapi Mosque Survey: Report Submission Expected Amidst Legal Controversy

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is expected to submit its report on the scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque to the Varanasi district court. The court had granted an additional 10 days to the ASI on November 30 for filing the report.

ASI's lawyer, Amit Srivastava, anticipates the submission of the survey report on Monday. He revealed that ASI experts are meticulously analyzing historical structures and remains, including related images. The process involves cross-checking, correlating, and compiling findings from various experts, indicating that the completion and preparation of the report will require additional time.

However, Akhlaque Ahmad, representing the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee overseeing the mosque, objected to ASI's repeated requests for extensions, stating a lack of concrete cause. Ahmad urged the dismissal of the application.

District judge Ajaya Krishna Vishvesha, considering the facts presented in the application, granted the ASI a 10-day extension to file the report. The next hearing is scheduled for December 11.

This follows the court's previous decision on November 18, where the ASI was given 10 days to submit the report, and an earlier grant of 15 days on November 2.

The scientific survey, which resumed on August 4 under tight security after the Allahabad High Court lifted a stay, has been subject to legal proceedings since the Varanasi court's order on July 21.