Court grants ASI 4 weeks time to complete survey of Gyanvapi complex

Varanasi, Sep 8 The Varanasi District Court, on an application moved by the Archaeological Survey of India on Friday granted an additional 4 weeks time to the ASI to complete the scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex.
The ASI in an application moved in the district court on September 2 had sought an additional 8 weeks time to complete its scientific survey of the Gyanvapi complex. While admitting the ASI’s application partially the court of District Judge Ajay Krishna Vishvesha granted 4 weeks additional time to the agency to complete the survey and scientific investigation.
The court directed the ASI to submit its report by October 6 and to follow the orders passed by the Allahabad High Court and the Supreme Court regarding the survey. The court said that it agreed with the ASI counsel that the survey work could not be completed in a haste.
It said that it takes time to prepare scientific investigation, survey and photographs. Besides, it said that the ASI has to ensure that no harm was caused to the figures and structure as directed by the court in its order on July 21.
The application to give additional time to the ASI to complete the survey was however opposed by the Muslim side. On the behalf of the Muslim side, it was submitted that two trucks of debris had been removed from the mosque complex and ASI was carrying excavation work in the basement which may cause damage to the Gyanvapi structure.