The Hindu petitioners had argued that a 100-foot Shivling exists beneath the complex’s central dome and requested a 4×4 feet excavation along with a detailed ASI survey. However, their plea was denied by the Varanasi Fast Track Court.
Sultanpur (Uttar Pradesh): On Friday (Oct 26): Following the dismissal of the plea for an additional Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey at the Gyanvapi complex by a Varanasi court, spiritual leader Jagatguru Shri Rambhadracharya announced that they would now seek relief from either the High Court or the Supreme Court.
“We will approach the High Court or the Supreme Court,” Rambhadracharya told media.
Expressing concerns over government actions, he stated,
“If churches and mosques are not being taken over, then Hindu temples should also remain untouched. We will urge the government to take appropriate action.”
BRIEF FACTS
On Friday, the Fast Track Civil Judge (Senior Division) of Varanasi rejected the Hindu side’s request for an additional ASI survey of the Gyanvapi complex.
READ ALSO: [Gyanvapi Row] Court Rejects Hindu Side Plea For Fresh ASI Survey
Advocate Vijay Shankar Rastogi, representing the Hindu side, expressed disappointment with the court’s decision and confirmed plans to appeal.
“We will challenge this ruling in the High Court within the stipulated 30-day period,”
he said.
The Hindu petitioners had argued that a 100-foot Shivling exists beneath the complex’s central dome and requested a 4×4 feet excavation along with a detailed ASI survey. However, their plea was denied by the Varanasi Fast Track Court.
Advocate Rastogi criticized the verdict, stating,
“This decision is contrary to rules and facts. We will move to the High Court immediately.” He also pointed out that an earlier order from April 8, 2021, had directed the formation of a 5-member committee comprising experts, including one from a minority community for the ASI survey. According to Rastogi, the previous survey did not comply with that directive, prompting the need for further investigation.
Advocate Subhash Nandan Chaturvedi, another lawyer for the Hindu side, reiterated that the battle is far from over.
“We will seek revision in the district court or the High Court. Although most areas were surveyed, some sections remain inaccessible to the machines, necessitating further examination,”
he explained.
Chaturvedi emphasized that they are confident about succeeding in future hearings.
“We will ensure a comprehensive survey of every inch of the temple complex. This is not a setback; we have already provided substantial evidence,”
he added.
The legal dispute, titled Lord Visheshwar vs. Anjuman Intezamiya Masjid Committee, has been ongoing since 1991. The Hindu petitioners have sought permission to construct a new temple within the Gyanvapi premises and secure the right to worship there. Although the case has been pending for over three decades, the Muslim side concluded their arguments recently.
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