On Friday, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) commenced a scientific survey of the Gyanvapi premises to investigate whether the 17th-century mosque was built on top of an existing structure of a Hindu temple. The survey started at approximately 7 am and was conducted under stringent security measures, with ASI team members and representatives of the Hindu petitioners participating inside the complex. Notably, the members of the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid committee decided to boycott the survey, and their representatives abstained from accompanying the ASI team during the investigation. The survey was initiated in response to an order from the Allahabad High Court, which upheld a ruling from the Varanasi district court, stating that the investigation was necessary in the interest of justice and would be beneficial for both parties involved in the legal dispute.
