Gyanvapi case: Archaeological Survey of India can't remove debris, says mosque panel

The Anjuman Intezamia Mosque Committee has objected to the Archaeological Survey of India's (ASI) petition seeking eight weeks' extension to complete the survey of the Gyanvapi mosque and submit its report to the court.

The Varanasi court has scheduled the next date of hearing for September 8 in this regard. The four weeks granted to ASI by a Varanasi court to complete the scientific investigation of the mosque premises to ascertain whether it was built on a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple expired on Friday following which the agency filed a petition on Saturday seeking extension of the survey time by eight weeks.

According to sources, the ASI sought extension on the basis that it needs to remove a large amount of debris and garbage inside which is currently blocking a part of the mosque and hindering survey work. It needs the extended period of time to carry out the removal of the debris without causing any harm to the mosque as assured by it to the court. A meeting was also held with the district administration by ASI representatives and both the parties on August 26. However, the mosque committee on Monday filed an objection to the ASI's request saying the agency is not authorised to remove debris or garbage to carry out its survey.