31 July 2023, Mumbai: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s recent statement regarding the labeling of Gyanvapi in Varanasi as a ‘mosque complex’ has stirred controversy. He suggested that calling it a mosque would lead to disputes and proposed referring to it as Gyanvapi instead. The Chief Minister emphasized the significance of physical, scriptural, and archaeological evidence within the premises.
Gyanvapi: A Debate on Labeling and Historical Significance
Yogi Adityanath, who is also the head priest of Gorakhnath Mutt in Gorakhpur, stated that there were notable artifacts inside the structure, including a trident (trishul) and dev pratimas (idols). His remarks drew attention to the need for understanding the historical context and preserving the evidence found at the site.
The Court Debates ASI Survey Possibility
The statements made by Yogi Adityanath resulted in reactions from different parties involved in the Gyanvapi case. The Hindu side’s lawyer, Jain, stressed the importance of collecting evidence to establish the existence or non-existence of deities. He argued that a commission could be appointed to secure such evidence, as the parties themselves might not be able to produce it.
4. Evidence Collection in the Gyanvapi Case
The court proceedings also witnessed arguments from Naqvi, who represents the mosque committee. He presented photographs of ASI’s equipment found on the mosque premises during their visit. However, Chief Justice Diwaker questioned whether the presence of equipment necessarily indicated an intention to dig.
Hindu Artifacts and ASI Survey Consideration
ASI official Tripathi clarified that the equipment brought during their first visit was meant to remove debris, not for digging purposes. Jain, the Hindu side’s lawyer, also presented evidence of Hindu artifacts, including the “Swastik,” engraved on the western wall of the structure and within the mosque. He suggested that ASI’s survey could shed light on the historical context, particularly regarding Aurangzeb’s actions.
ASI Survey Application Debate in Court Proceedings.
Jain referred to various court orders, highlighting the possibility of ordering an ASI survey at any stage of the trial. He emphasized that a commission could be appointed to collect evidence in this case. On the other hand, Advocate Punit Gupta, representing UP Sunni Waqf Board, argued that the application for an ASI survey might be premature, as the oral evidence of the concerned parties has not yet been recorded.