Prayagraj (UP): The Allahabad High Court will hear on November 30 a revision petition, challenging the Varanasi district judge’s order that had declined the demand for carbon dating of a ‘Shivlinga’ found on the premises of the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi.
Justice JJ Munir issued the order on a revision petition filed by Laxmi Devi and others. Varanasi district judge AK Vishvesh rejected on October 14, the petition seeking scientific investigation and carbon dating of the ‘Shivling’ found on the mosque premises, citing the Supreme Court directive for its safe keeping so that no tampering is done. On Monday as the high court was hearing the case, counsel for Archaeological Survey India submitted that an application has been put up for extending time for the survey. The court, nevertheless, commented that there should not be any damage to the “Shivling” and the ASI counsel said that there are more methods to determine the age of an artefact without causing any damage to it.
Meanwhile, counsel for the Anjuman Intezmia Committee which manages the Gyanvapi mosque, said that a “Vakalatnama” has to be filed. Four of the five Hindu parties sought carbon dating of the “Shivling” found in “wazookhana” where the Muslims perform ablutions before offering Namaz.
Carbon dating of the “Shivling” was sought to determine the age of the artefact in accordance with the provisions of the Ancient Monumebts and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.