The Allahabad High Court on Thursday allowed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a survey of the disputed Gyanvapi structure.

The Court dismissed the Muslim side’s plea challenging the Varanasi district court’s order dated July 21, 2023, directing ASI to conduct a survey of the disputed structure.

Noting that scientific surveys are important in the interest of justice, the bench of Chief Justice Pritinker Diwaker said, “Issue of a comminsion is permissible. The Varanasi Court was justified in ordering for ASI survey of the premises. Scientific survey is necessary in the interest of justice”.

“Allahabad High Court has said that ASI survey of Gyanvapi complex to start. The Sessions Court order was upheld by the High Court,” said Vishnu Shankar Jain, a lawyer representing the Hindu side.

Earlier on July 27, the court had reserved its judgement on a plea filed by the Muslim side against the Varanasi district court’s order for an ASI survey. The High Court had announced that it would deliver its verdict on August 3.