The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is expected to submit the findings of its scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque to the Varanasi court on Monday. The ASI was given 10 days to file the report within the “provided time” by the court on November 30. Earlier, the Court had requested that it turn in its survey report by November 17. Subsequently, ASI was given until November 28 to submit its report. Throughout the survey’s 100 days, the ASI has requested multiple extensions. The survey had ended over a month ago, and the ASI had requested an extension to submit its report.
The last extension was on November 18, when the ASI asked for another 15 days. The court had allowed it 10 days. The ASI had been conducting the survey since August 4 on the mosque premises. It leaves out the Wuzukhana area, which has been sealed by the orders of the Supreme Court.
On November 2, the ASI told the court it had “completed” the survey but would need some more time to compile the report, along with the details of the equipment used in the survey.
The court had granted additional time till November 17 for submitting the document. The survey was ordered by a Varanasi court on July 21, following a petition by four women who sought permission to pray at the Shringar Gauri Shrine which is behind the western wall of the temple.
Earlier, in August this year, the Allahabad High Court allowed the Archaeological Survey of India to conduct a survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi.