New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday set aside a recent order of the Allahabad High Court directing authorities to conduct a “scientific survey”, including carbon dating, of a structure found at the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi last year. Hindus claim to be “Shivling”.
The top court said that the implication of the Allahabad High Court order on May 13 has to be closely examined, and the matter needs to be tread carefully.
The top court also issued notices to the Center and the Uttar Pradesh government on a plea by the mosque’s panel challenging the High Court order.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government and the Centre, told the court that the state, in consultation with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), would examine whether there was any alternative method to ascertain the age of the “Shivling”. ,
While ordering a survey to determine the age of the structure, the Allahabad High Court last Friday also asked the authorities to ensure that no damage is done to it.
While Hindus claim the structure is a “Shivling”, mosque authorities say it is part of a fountain in the “Wazu Khana”, where ablution is performed before prayer.
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