In a significant development in the Gyanvapi mosque-Kashi Vishwanath temple dispute, the Varanasi district Court has ordered the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) report to be made public today. Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, revealed that the court facilitated a consensus between both parties to provide hard copies of the ASI’s report, resolving objections raised against delivering it via email.
Court’s Decision on ASI Report
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court reached an agreement to make a certified copy of the ASI’s report accessible to both parties. Advocate Jain stated, “As soon as the court issues the order, our legal team will apply for the certified copy.”
Supreme Court’s Earlier Directive
The Supreme Court had earlier granted permission on January 16 for the cleaning of the ‘wazukhana’ area of Gyanvapi mosque, where a disputed ‘Shivling’ was found. The bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, directed the district administration of Varanasi to supervise the cleaning process, considering previous court orders.
Background of the Dispute
The controversy revolves around the ‘Wazu’ area of the Gyanvapi mosque, sealed in 2022 following the discovery of a structure claimed to be a “Shivling” by Hindus and a “fountain” by Muslims. This discovery occurred during a court-mandated survey of the mosque, situated adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath temple.
Support for Cleaning Initiative
The Gyanvapi mosque management committee expressed its support for the cleaning of the water tank, which had remained sealed for almost two years under the Supreme Court’s orders. The disputed ‘Shivling’ in the ‘Wazu’ area has been a focal point of contention, with Hindus asserting its religious significance and Muslims contending it to be a mere water fountain.
The dispute has been a longstanding legal battle between Hindu and Muslim parties. While the Hindu side claims the presence of a sacred ‘Shivling,’ the Muslim side disputes this, maintaining that it is a regular water fountain.
With the Varanasi district Court’s directive to release the ASI report, both parties eagerly await the certified copies to gain insights into the findings, which could potentially impact the course of the dispute. The cleaning initiative, as mandated by the Supreme Court, adds another layer to the ongoing legal saga surrounding the Gyanvapi mosque-Kashi Vishwanath temple dispute.
Source: ANI News