In a latest development in the Gyanvapi mosque case, the Hindu side, led by petitioner Rakhi Singh, has filed a fresh plea in the Varanasi lower court. The plea requests the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a survey of the basements in the mosque premises, claiming that some were not previously surveyed due to blocked entrances.

The application emphasizes the need for a comprehensive study after removing blocked entrances and debris, without causing any damage to the mosque’s structure. Singh, a plaintiff in the Shringar Gauri worshipping suit, asserts that certain basements require attention to ascertain the historical and religious significance of the site.

Simultaneously, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear another petition on Monday, demanding a scientific survey of the ‘wazukhana’ (ablution pond) and the surrounding sealed areas within the disputed Gyanvapi mosque complex. The ‘wazukhana,’ sealed in 2022, is claimed by the Hindu side to contain a ‘Shivling,’ a sacred symbol in Hinduism.

The plea also calls for an additional ASI survey in ten cellars within the mosque complex, as the legal battle continues to unfold.

Last week, the Allahabad High Court issued a notice to the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee, the body managing the Gyanvapi mosque. This notice came in response to a plea challenging the Varanasi court’s decision not to direct the ASI to survey the ‘wazukhana.’

However, the Varanasi court had previously rejected Singh’s application, citing a prior Supreme Court order to protect the area where the claimed ‘Shivling’ was found.

In a separate development, the Varanasi Court recently granted permission to Hindu side petitioners to perform puja in the ‘Vyas Tehkhana’ (basement) portion of the Gyanvapi mosque premises. The order, issued on January 31, instructed the district magistrate to make arrangements for the puja within seven days, facilitated by the Kashi Vishwanath Trust.

The decision to allow the puja has sparked controversy, with the Muslim side arguing that the cellar is part of the mosque complex, and permission for Hindu worship should not be granted. The Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee has stated its intention to challenge the district court’s order in the Allahabad High Court.