This petition to the Supreme Court represents a pivotal development in the ongoing Gyanvapi mosque controversy, a matter that has sparked considerable debate in both legal and public spheres. This case, centered around the investigation of religious and historical artifacts in the mosque’s vicinity, holds substantial consequences for the perception and interpretation of India’s diverse cultural and religious legacy.
In the ongoing Gyanvapi mosque case, a Hindu plaintiff has approached the Supreme Court with a plea to lift the hold on the scientific survey of an alleged ‘Shivling‘ discovered at the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi. This move comes after the apex court’s order on May 19, 2023, which temporarily suspended the survey.
The application, filed on Monday (January20), specifically requests the Supreme Court to vacate its earlier order that halted the scientific examination of the ‘Shivling‘. The petitioner argues that the survey is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the artifact’s characteristics and historical significance. The plea emphasizes the need for a detailed investigation to ascertain the nature and features of the alleged ‘Shivling’.
Furthermore, the application seeks directives for the Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a thorough survey and investigation. This proposed examination by the ASI is expected to involve advanced scientific methods, ensuring the integrity and preservation of the ‘Shivling’ during the process. The petitioner has proposed the removal of modern structures, such as artificial walls and floors, surrounding the ‘Shivling’ to facilitate a more effective and unobstructed survey.
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The plea also extends to a broader examination of the entire sealed area within the mosque complex. The petitioner advocates for an extensive excavation and the application of various scientific techniques to uncover and study the area comprehensively. This approach, according to the application, is necessary to gain a complete understanding of the site’s historical and cultural context.
This latest plea in the Supreme Court marks a significant turn in the Gyanvapi mosque case, which has been a subject of intense legal and public discourse. The case, which involves the examination of historical and religious artifacts within the mosque complex, has broader implications for the understanding of India’s cultural and religious heritage. The Supreme Court’s decision on this plea will be a critical moment in the ongoing legal proceedings and could set a precedent for how similar cases are approached in the future.
