The Allahabad High Court on Monday deferred the hearing on a petition seeking a scientific survey by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) of the wazukhana (ablution pond) area inside Varanasi’s Gyanvapi mosque complex.
Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal adjourned the matter to August 24 after learning that related proceedings are currently active before the Supreme Court. During the hearing, counsel Syed Ahmed Faizan, appearing for the respondent Anjum Intazamia Masajid Committee, informed the bench that the apex court has scheduled its next hearing on the matter for August 10, 2026. Taking note of the Supreme Court’s schedule, the High Court postponed the session and directed that the case be listed alongside connected matters on August 24.
Challenge to Lower Court Ruling
The civil revision petition was filed by Rakhi Singh, one of the primary plaintiffs in the Shringar Gauri worshipping suit pending before a Varanasi court. Singh is contesting a Varanasi district judge’s decision from October 21, 2023, which turned down her request to direct an ASI survey of the ablution area.
The petition specifically requests an ASI survey of the surrounding wazukhana while excluding the controversial central structure found within the pond. The Hindu litigants maintain that the structure is a Shivlinga, whereas the mosque management committee asserts that it is a fountain.
