Allahabad High Court to Hear Petition for Wazukhana Area Survey on November 8

The Allahabad High Court has postponed the hearing of a petition that challenges a previous decision by a Varanasi judge. This decision, made last October, declined to instruct the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to examine the Wazukhana ablution area within the Gyanvapi mosque, adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath temple. The court has rescheduled the hearing for November 8.

Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal issued the order while reviewing a civil revision submitted by Rakhi Singh, one of the plaintiffs. Singh's revision contests the Varanasi district judge's October 21, 2023 ruling, which refused to mandate an ASI survey of the Wazukhana. Singh is involved in the Sringar Gauri worship case currently under consideration in Varanasi.

Survey Request and Legal Arguments

Rakhi Singh argues that surveying the Wazukhana area is crucial for justice and beneficial to both parties. She believes it will clarify the religious nature of the entire property. The proposal suggests using non-invasive methods for surveying, excluding the area identified as Shivling by Hindus and a fountain by Muslims, as per Supreme Court guidelines.

Previously, the Anjuman Intezamia committee of Gyanvapi mosque submitted a counter-affidavit to the high court. They stated that issues concerning Wazukhana and Shivling are already before the Supreme Court, with security managed by the Varanasi district magistrate. They argued that these circumstances justified the district judge's rejection of the Hindu side's application on October 21.

Background and Previous Surveys

The ASI has already conducted a scientific examination of the Gyanvapi complex. This survey was performed following an earlier directive from the Varanasi district judge to assess if a Hindu temple structure existed beneath the mosque. The findings were submitted to the district judge.

The ongoing legal proceedings highlight complex religious and historical issues surrounding this site. The outcome of these hearings could have significant implications for both communities involved. The court's decision on whether to allow further surveys remains pending as discussions continue.