Gyanvapi Mosque Might Fall Down During ASI Survey: Mgmt

FILE PHOTO: The appeal issued by Shahar-e-Mufti Abdul Batin Nomani said that leaders of the weavers' community and those responsible for other areas (Dal Mandi, Nai Sadak, Nadesa, Ardali Bazaar, etc.) should convey this appeal to the people in a peaceful and convenient manner

In a shocking development, the Gyanvapi mosque management committee has apprehended that the historic structure may fall during the survey by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The mosque management committee said on Wednesday that it has apprehensions that the historic structure — which has stood at the place next to the iconic Kashi Vishwanath temple for 1,000 years — may fall during the ASI survey. The committee apprised the Allahabad High Court of this stand.

Reacting sharply, the court asked the petitioners that if they cannot trust the ASI’s assurances that there will be no damage to the structure, then how will they trust the court’s ruling.

Meanwhile, the Hindu side submitted that it has faith in a survey similar to the one that was conducted in the Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi case in Ayodhya. However, the mosque committee said in response that the circumstances in the Ram Janmabhoomi dispute case were different and resultantly, there cannot be any comparisons with it.

The petitioner’s counsel said, “The talk of a temple under Gyanvapi mosque is fictional.” He added that imagination cannot be the basis for allowing a survey by the ASI.

Over the years, the Hindu side has claimed that, on the orders of Raja Todarmal, a temple was constructed at the site in 1585 but was demolished in 1669. They said further that a group of Hindu women has now sought permission to worship the deities there.

The mosque committee had further said that the women petitioners had told the lower court that they do not have proof of the presence of Hindu deities inside the mosque complex and that the ASI must gather the evidence.

“You cannot ask someone else to gather proof. This is illegal. This cannot be allowed,” they said, while bringing into question the lower court’s instructions for the survey.

Meanwhile, the Hindu side said that an ASI survey can be considered to be an expert opinion. When asked by the court if the excavation was necessary, the Hindu side counsel said, “Yes, but this won’t be inside the mosque. ASI will do radar mapping. Excavation will also be conducted if circumstances demand, that too in the last stage.”

After the Hindu side’s submission detailing how this excavation will be conducted, the court said, “Either you videograph the survey or submit that there will be no damage to the mosque.” The counsel for the Hindu side agreed to this.

Additionally, the court responded sharply to the submission by the mosque committee that the Hindu side’s lawyer will be responsible if the structure falls. Responding to the Hindu side’s assurances that no survey will be held in the area, which has been sealed under orders from the Supreme Court, the mosque committee opined that the area will also suffer damage if the survey is conducted.

On the submission that there will be no damage to the structure, he asked, “Are you going to drill or is it like a vacuum cleaner? Have you ever done this work earlier?” In response the ASI said they have to which the Chief Justice asked if there are any photographs of those projects? “The court is expressing strong doubts about the work to be carried out by you,” he said.