We'll Be on the Verge of Victory, Says Hindu Side Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain on Gyanvapi Case

Varanasi: vocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing Hindu side of case in Gyanvapi land dispute, on Thursday, said y will be on verge of victory once ASI survey report is out. 

Vishnu Shankar Jain said, “Numerous fish in 'wazu' tank perished, prompting us to initiate legal proceedings for its cleaning. Our court application included a request for an ASI survey and a plea for a stay until area is vacated. However, court directed us to file application before Supreme Court, a step we are currently preparing for.”

He ded, “An ASI survey is anticipated, aiming to clarify wher site is a 'Shivling' or a fountain. 'vazu' area is presently sealed and cleaned, with oversight from District Magistrate of Varanasi. I am optimistic that, following ASI survey report, we will be on verge of a favourable outcome. I am confident that day will come when Gyanvapi is free from this illegal encroachment.”

Earlier, eleven people, including from both Hindu and Muslim sides, applied for copies of ASI survey report on Gyanvapi mosque complex joining Kashi Vishwanath temple here on Thursday, counsel for Hindu litigants said.

applicants are likely to get report eir on Thursday or Monday after a scrutiny of applications, Hindu side counsel Man Mohan Yav said.

Following an order of district court passed on July 21 last year, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) carried out a scientific survey of Gyanvapi premises to determine wher mosque was constructed over a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple.

"Till afternoon, 11 persons have applied from both sides for copies of ASI survey report," Yav said. Yav said vocates representing five petitioners from Hindu side, Anjuman Intezamia Masjid committee, Kashi Vishwanath Trust, state government, chief secretary, home secretary and Varanasi district magistrate have applied for a copy of survey report.

On Wednesday, District Judge AK Vishvesh ruled that ASI survey report on Gyanvapi mosque complex will be given to both Hindu and Muslim sides. After hearing matter, Judge Vishvesh said both parties to suit must be provided copies of survey report filed by ASI in court so that y can file objections against it.

court also allowed Kashi Vishwanath temple trust, Varanasi DM and state's home secretary to get a copy of ASI survey report. court passed order on a petition filed by Rakhi Singh and ors.

survey was ordered by court after Hindu petitioners claimed 17th-century mosque was constructed over a pre-existing temple. ASI submitted its survey report to district court in a sealed cover on December 18.

(with PTI inputs)