Willing to abide by decision on survey of Gyanvapi: ASI to HC

Prayagraj: The director general (DG) of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Monday filed her personal affidavit before the Allahabad high court in the Gyanvapi case, expressing ASI’s willingness to abide by what the court decides regarding the survey of the mosque complex.
Regarding the Varanasi court’s order of April 8, 2021, by which the ASI was asked to conduct a comprehensive survey of Gyanvapi mosque complex, the ASI DG stated that the ASI is competent to take up the survey if the high court orders so.
The Varanasi court’s order was stayed by the high court on September 9, 2021. Today (on October 31), the high court again extended its interim stay that directed the ASI to conduct a survey at the Gyanvapi mosque complex and further proceedings in this case till November 30.
Taking the affidavit of DG ASI on record, Justice Prakash Padia granted 10 days time to AIM and UP Sunni Waqf Board to file a reply (rejoinder-affidavit) to DG ASI counter-affidavit by November 11, which is the next date of hearing.