NEW DELHI: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Friday began a comprehensive scientific survey of the Gyanvapi complex to ascertain whether the 17th-century mosque was built atop a pre-existing Hindu temple structure.

Also See: Gyanvapi Mosque Case Live
The survey which began at 7am will go on till 12pm. Under tight security measures, the ASI team members, along with the representatives of the Hindu petitioners engaged in a legal dispute concerning the mosque, were present within the complex during the survey.

The members of the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid (AIM) committee have boycotted the survey. The representatives of the committee who were to accompany the ASI team for the survey abstained from doing so.
The survey began following the Allahabad high court’s decision on Thursday to uphold a Varanasi district court order. The court ruled that the proposed step is deemed “essential in the interest of justice” and is expected to be advantageous for both parties involved.
Soon after HC nod for survey AIM moved the Supreme Court seeking an urgent stay on the HC order “on account of grave risks posed by such an exercise (ASI survey) that may have consequences throughout the country”. Making an exception to the rules that prohibit mentioning of petitions for urgent hearing before a Constitution bench, CJI DY Chandrachud assured AIM he would look into the email sent for urgent listing and pass an order. The AIM plea is listed for today.