Historic Dispute: Varanasi Court Postpones Gyanvapi Mosque Survey Hearing

The Allahabad High Court has adjourned a petition challenging an order denying an Archeological Survey of India (ASI) analysis of Varanasi's Gyanvapi mosque's Wazukhana area. The case, propelled by Rakhi Singh, examines religious claims and awaits a Supreme Court directive. The hearing is scheduled for November 8, 2023.

The Allahabad High Court recently postponed the hearing of a petition contesting an October decision, which dismissed a request directing the Archeological Survey of India to investigate the Wazukhana section of the Gyanvapi mosque, adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath temple.

The court has rescheduled the hearing for November 8. The petition, spearheaded by plaintiff Rakhi Singh, argues for a survey excluding a controversial structure claimed by Hindus as a 'Shivling' and by Muslims as a fountain.

Meanwhile, the Anjuman Intezamia committee, managing the mosque, insists the matters should remain under the Supreme Court's purview. Prior examinations have been conducted by the ASI on directives from Varanasi's judiciary.

(With inputs from agencies.)