The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is expected to submit its scientific survey report of the Gyanvapi mosque premises to the Varanasi district court on Tuesday. The survey has been ongoing for 100 days, and the ASI has requested several extensions during that time.

The survey concluded almost a month ago, but the ASI requested additional time to complete its report. The court granted the ASI an extension of 10 days on November 18. However, the ASI has filed an application in the Varanasi district court today, seeking an additional three weeks to submit the report of the scientific survey conducted on the premises of the Gyanvapi Mosque, reported Hindustan Times

The ASI has been conducting the survey since August 4, excluding the Wuzukhana area, which has been sealed by the Supreme Court.

On November 2, the ASI informed the court that it had “completed” the survey but required more time to compile the report and documentation of the equipment used in the survey. The court granted the ASI an extension until November 17 to submit the documents.

A Varanasi court ordered the survey on July 21 in response to a petition filed by four women seeking permission to pray at the Shringar Gauri Shrine, located behind the western wall of the temple. In April of last year, the court ordered a video survey of the complex in response to the petition. The survey conducted in May revealed a structure in the Wuzukhana that the petitioners claimed was a ‘shivling’.

Right-wing activists assert that a temple previously existed at the site and was demolished in the 17th century by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The mosque is situated adjacent to the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

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