VARANASI: On the 9th of August, 2023, the Varanasi district court imposed a prohibition on all forms of media statements and engagements from either faction of the petitioners involved in the ongoing Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at the Gyanvyapi mosque precinct.

This decree was enacted subsequent to the appeal of the mosque committee to the court, seeking intervention to quell the propagation of fabricated narratives regarding the purported discovery of Hindu religious structures, imagery, or designs during the ASI survey.

A dedicated ASI team diligently pursued the survey for the sixth consecutive day, amidst a heightened state of security.

The systematic examination of the intricate site, situated adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, with the exception of the Wuzu Khana area, was inaugurated last Friday, following the mandate of the Allahabad High Court. The plea lodged by the Muslim faction, the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee, challenging the Varanasi court's authorization for the ASI to conduct a comprehensive survey of the Gyanvapi mosque premises, with the exception of the 'Wazukhana' region where a "Shivling" purportedly surfaced last year, was dismissed by the Allahabad High Court on the 3rd of August.

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About Gyan Vapi:  Gyan Vapi" (also known as Gyanvapi Mosque) is a historic mosque located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. The name "Gyan Vapi" translates to "Well of Knowledge" in English. The mosque is situated near the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple and holds historical and religious significance.

The Gyan Vapi Mosque was constructed in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb after he demolished a Hindu temple that previously stood on the site. The mosque's name is derived from a well located within its premises, which is believed by some to contain the remnants of the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The Gyan Vapi Mosque is a significant site for both Hindus and Muslims, but it has also been a source of controversy and tension due to its historical context.

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