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ASI Clarifies Stand On Jama Masjid’s Protected Status

October 24, 2024, 5:01 am

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) informed the Delhi High Court on Wednesday that declaring the historic Jama Masjid a “protected monument” would have a “substantial impact,” and no steps have been taken in this direction so far. In an affidavit filed in response to public interest litigations (PILs) on the matter, the ASI explained that once a monument is declared protected, certain regulations and prohibitions come into effect in the surrounding area.

The ASI further clarified that, although the Mughal-era Jama Masjid is currently under the guardianship of the Delhi Waqf Board, it has been involved in the conservation and preservation of the structure. A bench led by Justice Prathiba M Singh orally noted it was not inclined to declare Jama Masjid a “protected monument” based on the ASI’s position and instructed the petitioners to file notes on the steps that should be taken to safeguard the historic structure.

“They (ASI) are saying there is a hesitation. There is an impact of declaring it a protected monument,” the court observed while hearing the PILs, which sought to have the mosque declared a protected monument and to remove encroachments around it.

Must Read: Senior officials neglect illegal construction

The bench, which also included Justice Amit Sharma, mentioned that it would examine the issue of improving the mosque’s administration and requested the Delhi Waqf Board to provide information regarding the status of the nine-member managing committee previously appointed for the Jama Masjid.

“One thing is clear, even if it is not treated as a protected monument, its revenue cannot exclusively go to any private individual,” the court remarked, suggesting that some form of reimbursement could be provided to the ASI for its preservation work.

Manish Mohan, central government standing counsel representing the ASI, stated in the affidavit that the ASI had spent over ₹60 lakh on conservation work at Jama Masjid since 2007. The affidavit also noted that, as the Jama Masjid is not a “protected monument,” the ASI had no information on the generation or utilisation of its revenue.

“There is a substantial impact of declaring Jama Masjid as a protected monument. The provision of prohibited area will be applicable to the Jama Masjid, which is a 100-metre zone from a protected monument in which new construction is prohibited. Further, in regulated areas (200 metre zone beyond prohibited area) all construction-related activities are regulated and require prior permission from the Competent Authority and National Monuments Authority,” the document explained.

The authorities, also represented by Centre’s standing counsel Anil Soni, informed the court that the “original file,” which contained the decision by then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh not to declare Jama Masjid a protected monument, could not be located. The court had earlier requested that the file be produced on August 28.

During the proceedings, senior advocate DP Singh, representing one of the petitioners, raised concerns about the utilisation of revenue generated by Jama Masjid, noting that the Jama Masjid in Pakistan is a world heritage site.

Another petitioner objected to the use of the title “Shahi Imam” by the mosque’s religious leader. However, the court remarked, “This happens in a lot of temples also. We are not concerned with the title but the actual benefit to the people.”

Listing the case for a hearing in December, the court stated that the Centre is free to submit its views regarding the streamlining of revenue utilisation and the managing committee appointed by the Waqf Board. It also directed the ASI to conduct a survey of the mosque and submit a sketch along with photographs of the premises.

The PILs, filed by Suhail Ahmed Khan and Ajay Gautam in 2014, questioned the use of the title ‘Shahi Imam’ by Jama Masjid’s Imam Maulana Syed Ahmed Bukhari and the appointment of his son as Naib (deputy) Imam. The petitions also raised concerns over why the Jama Masjid was not under ASI’s protection. In August 2015, the ASI had informed the court that former Prime Minister Singh had assured the Shahi Imam that Jama Masjid would not be declared a protected monument.

Also Read: Local residents urge increased police patrolling

ASI ‘Tears Uniform And Throws His Cap’ After BJP Leader Threatens Him To Remove From Police

September 17, 2024, 1:21 pm

In a dramatic turn of events at the Baidhan police station in Singrauli district, Madhya Pradesh, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Vinod Mishra was filmed tearing his uniform and discarding his cap and belt during a heated argument. The incident, which occurred on February 2, 2024, has since gone viral after CCTV footage of the altercation was leaked.

Details of the Dispute

The video captures a contentious discussion among several officials, including the then police station in-charge and representatives from the Municipal Corporation. The argument revolved around a drain issue near ASI Mishra’s residence. According to Mishra, BJP leader and councilor’s husband Arjun Das Gupta threatened to have him dismissed from the police force, which reportedly led to Mishra’s heightened agitation and subsequent outburst.

Divergent Accounts

BJP leader Arjun Das Gupta has refuted Mishra’s claims, asserting that he did not threaten the ASI. Das Gupta maintains that Mishra’s actions were self-initiated and denies any involvement in the confrontation. Mishra had previously reported receiving threats from Das Gupta, which may have influenced his reaction.

Investigation and Repercussions

Following the incident, ASI Mishra was admitted to a hospital due to the stress and health complications arising from the argument. The Superintendent of Police (SP) has mandated a thorough investigation into the event, particularly focusing on the unauthorized release of the CCTV footage. The incident has sparked concerns about police conduct and the possible impact of political pressures on law enforcement operations.

This incident underscores the tensions that can arise between police personnel and political figures, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability within the police force. The ongoing investigation aims to address these issues and ensure that proper procedures are followed.

Allahabad HC Demands ASI Reply Over Agra’s Jama Masjid Survey

July 5, 2024, 7:23 pm

Allahabad High Court demands ASI (Archaeological Survey of India)’s response to the suit, who seeks Jama Masjid survey in Agra.

Further, the petitioner also demands appointment of advocate commissioner to supervise the process.

According to Plaintiff, the mosque contains the idol of Thakur Keshav Dev from Sri Krishna Janmbhoomi.

Earlier on Thursday, Justice Mayank Kumar Jain issued an order, which directed that the case of Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah should be registered in the name of the deity-Thakur Keshav Dev Ji, Maharaj Virajman Mandir Katra Keshav Dev.

Later, the court also expressed the need for SIT report and an archaeological survey. Thus, demanding defendant’s response by next hearing date.

Meanwhile, the Shahi Idgah Management Committee had filed impleadment application, asking the court to add them as defendant in the suit.

Currently, the court has announced the next hearing on this case on August 5.

Here’s Why This Woman Cop Got Suspended In Hyderabad

April 23, 2024, 2:12 pm

An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of police was suspended for embracing Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat candidate K Madhavi Latha on Monday, April 22. In a widely circulated video on social media, Uma Devi, ASI at Saidabad Police Station, was seen shaking hands with Madhavi Latha and hugging her while in uniform.

Reports suggest that the police officer was on duty when the BJP leader was campaigning in an area under the jurisdiction of Saidabad Police Station.

Following this incident, Hyderabad Police Commissioner K Sreenivas Reddy suspended the police officer for violating the Model Code of Conduct.

In the video, Uma Devi can be seen approaching Madhavi Latha, who was campaigning with party workers in a locality in Hyderabad. They shook hands and hugged, both appearing to be smiling and exchanging a few words.

Madhavi Latha had previously sparked controversy last week with an alleged provocative gesture of pretending to shoot an imaginary arrow at a mosque during a procession on Ram Navami. On April 20, the Begum Bazar Police filed an FIR against her for hurting the religious sentiments of a community through her provocative gesture, following a complaint from a Hyderabad resident. Madhavi Latha has been booked under section 295-A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) and 125 of the Representation of the People Act.

World Heritage Day: No Entry Fee to Centrally Protected Monuments on April 18

April 18, 2024, 5:00 am

On World Heritage Day, which falls on Thursday, no entry fee will be charged at centrally protected monuments. While access to the Taj Mahal will remain free, visitors wishing to enter the main mausoleum will incur charges.

Raj Kumar Patel, the Superintending Archaeologist of the Archaeological Survey of India’s Agra Circle, issued a directive permitting complimentary entry to monuments safeguarded by the ASI. Agra boasts three UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Sites: Agra Fort, Taj Mahal, and Fatehpur Sikri, located 40 km from the city.

“All monuments where entry is ticketed, will have free entry on World Heritage Day on Thursday. Because of hot weather, no major event is being organised this time and a short duration programme will be organised at Sikandra Tomb on the Agra-Delhi highway on Thursday,” said Agra ASI chief, RK Patel.

As part of the event organized by the ASI to commemorate World Heritage Day, special children from the Tears institution will have the opportunity to visit the monument.

Visitors interested in visiting the main mausoleum at the Taj Mahal will be required to purchase a special ticket priced at ₹200. This area houses the tombs of Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

ASI team begins survey of Bhojshala complex in Madhya Pradesh

March 22, 2024, 11:12 am

A team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has commenced a survey of the contentious Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque complex located in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh.

Advocate Shreesh Dubey, representing the Hindu side, stated, “Four petitions are currently ongoing… The survey began today at 6 am. The report will be submitted soon to the Court.”

The Madhya Pradesh High Court recently permitted the ASI to conduct the survey at the disputed site.

“In compliance with the instructions of the High Court, we have received a letter from the Additional Director of the Indian Culture Department. After receiving the letter, today we inspected the Bhojshala premises. We discussed what kind of security arrangements are to be provided during the survey and what is their (ASI) demand,” said Dhar Superintendent of Police Manoj Kumar Singh.

He assured that adequate security measures would be put in place for the survey to proceed smoothly.

“In compliance with the instructions of the High Court, whatever security arrangements are required, so that the survey work is completed peacefully, we will provide that. I want to appeal to the entire public of Dhar district that the High Court has directed that the survey work should be completed by ASI, everyone should cooperate in it and we will provide complete arrangements to ensure that there is no hindrance in the survey work,” he added.

Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain confirmed that the Madhya Pradesh High Court had granted permission for the ASI survey at the disputed site.

The Bhojshala is considered by Hindus to be a temple dedicated to ‘Vagdevi’, while Muslims refer to it as the Kamal Maula Mosque.

The court order, as shared by advocate Vishnu Jain, stated, “It is contended on behalf of the petitioners whilst pressing the interlocutory application that survey by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is a statutory duty, which the ASI ought to have performed long back.”

“Any other study, investigation, or inquiry, which the said five (5) member committee of the ASI feel it is necessary to be undertaken without ‘destroying, defacing, or destructing the original nature of the whole complex be undertaken, towards ascertaining the true nature and character of the Bhojshala Temple cum Kamal Maula Mosque for arriving at the truth,” the order added.

The order specified that the right to worship and perform rituals at the disputed premises would be considered only after the Expert Committee submitted its report.

Gyanvapi verdict: Varanasi Court to present the ASI scientific report today

December 21, 2023, 12:08 pm

The scientific report on the Gyanvapi mosque survey by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will be presented today by the Varanasi district Court. The Hindu side will object in court today in the Gyanvapi Shringar Gauri case to the Anjuman Arrangements Masjid Committee’s application, requesting that the judge present the ASI report in a sealed cover. The Hindu side claims that this is a blatant “violation” of the Supreme Court’s ruling. On Monday, the Committee of the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid requested that the Court withhold the ASI report from any party to which the Hindu side objects. According to attorney Subhash Nandan Chaturvedi for the Hindu side, the Supreme Court said inan order dated August 4 that the report will not be filed in a sealed envelope.

“An application of the Muslim side is also before the Court that the report be filed in a sealed envelope and this be not disclosed in public domain until the report is disposed, we objected to it on 18th December and mentioned that the Supreme Court in its order stated that the report be not filed in a sealed envelope. So, the Court had given today’s date and the hearing will be taken up today. It will be heard if the report will be submitted in an open or sealed envelope,” Hindu side lawyer Advocate Subhash Nandan Chaturvedi said.
Earlier, Hindu side lawyer Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain claimed that the survey report being presented in a selaed envelope is a “violation of the Supreme Court order” and said that the Hindu side has filed an application in the district court and sought a copy of the report.

Notably, the ASI team spent 92 days conducting the survey in the Gyanvapi complex and turned in the survey report to the court in sealed form. The Archaeological Survey of India was given permission by the Allahabad High Court to survey the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi earlier this August.

Gyanvapi mosque case: Varanasi court orders ASI to submit items found during survey

September 14, 2023, 6:53 pm

The Archaeological investigation of India (ASI) has been directed by the Varanasi district court hearing the Kashi Vishwanath-Gyanvapi mosque cases to submit objects discovered during the scientific investigation of the premises to the district administration.

District Judge A K Vishvesha issued the judgment on Wednesday after hearing a slew of motions from the Hindu side seeking the security of the premises.

“I have considered all the facts of the case and keeping in mind that a scientific survey is being conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India at the site. I find it is suitable that whatever objects and items are being found at the site in question, which maybe connected to this case, or to Hindu religion or worship, or are historical and are important for disposal of this case, should be submitted to the district magistrate or an officer chosen by him, who can keep those items safely and present them before a court when it is called for,” said the judge in his order.

ASI survey continues at Gyanvapi Mosque Complex on Day 7

August 10, 2023, 11:01 am

An advocate for the Hindu side said on Thursday that both the Muslim and Hindu sides are cooperating and adhering to the court order as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) continues its scientific survey of the Gyanvapi complex on its seventh day.

Advocate Shubhash Nandan Chaturvedi said,” The ASI survey is proceeding smoothly and in a systematic way. Both Hindu and Muslim sides are cooperating and abiding by the court’s order.”
Earlier today a team of ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) arrived at the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi.

Following the Allahabad High Court’s order allowing the ASI to conduct the survey to ascertain whether the 17th-century mosque was built over an earlier structure of a Hindu temple, the scientific survey of the complex, adjacent to Kashi Vishwanath Temple, excluding Wuzu Khana, began last Friday.

The Allahabad High Court on Thursday, August 3, dismissed the plea filed by the Muslim side, the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee, challenging the Varanasi court order allowing the ASI to conduct a scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque premises, except the ‘Wazukhana’ area where a “Shivling” was claimed to have been found last year.

ASI survey of the Gyanvapi mosque will continue today

August 7, 2023, 9:57 am

The fifth Monday of the current “Sawan”month may cause a slight delay in the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) planned scientific survey of the Gyanvapi complex, according to an attorney for the Hindu side. The ASI survey, which is still in progress, is in its fourth day.

“Survey work is under progress. Anjuman Intezamia Committee is also cooperating with the survey. There can be a little delay to start the survey as today is the fifth Monday of ‘Sawan’ month,” said Sudhir Tripathi, an advocate representing the Hindu side.
Another advocate, Subhash Nandan Chaturvedi, representing the Hindu side in the case, said, “ASI is conducting the survey in a systematic and scientific manner. Measurements are being done, it will take some time. They will submit the report to the court after the survey is completed.”

The lawyer for the Hindu side, Vishnu Shankar Jain, told the media in Varanasi on Sunday that the Muslim side had complied with the court’s order and had given the survey their full cooperation. “The ASI is working efficiently. The Muslim side complied with the court’s directive and gave the survey their full cooperation. The survey is being conducted using all current methods. The work will continue as the court directs going forward, he said. According to attorney Subhash Nandan Chaturvedi, additional investigation of the mosque’s grounds is also being conducted.

“ASI is doing its work smoothly. They are doing their required analysis. The further investigation of the premises of the mosque is also being done.Photography, measurement and mapping has been done of all the three tombs. A study is being conducted of the entire campus…GDPR machines have been used,” Chaturvedi said.

ASI team starts the day-3 of scientific survey at Gyanvapi mosque premises

August 6, 2023, 9:42 am

To continue the complex’s scientific survey, a group of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officials arrived at the Gyanvapi mosque on Sunday morning. Prior to the arrival of the ASI team, a sizable police presence was also deployed in the area. According to attorneys, the court-ordered survey’s primary phase is now complete, and the secondary phase, which will involve “machines” like radars, will start today.

A lawyer for the Hindu side in the Gyanvapi case named Subhash Nandan Chaturvedi stated, “Today will mark the start of the third day of the survey. Today’s start of the secondary stage follows the conclusion of the primary stage. Additionally, machines will be used. Another advocate for the Hindu side, Sudhir Tripathi, stated, “Today is the third day of the survey. Yesterday, a number of devices were used, including the Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS), and today, radars could be used. The survey is satisfactory to us, and the Muslim side is cooperating and has no complaints.

The scientific survey of the complex , adjacent to Kashi Vishwanath Temple, excluding Wuzu Khana, began on Friday, following Allahabad High Court’s order, which allowed the ASI to conduct the survey, to determine if the mosque was built on a pre-existing temple.

Gyanvapi mosque case: ASI survey to resume after Friday prayers

August 4, 2023, 2:19 pm

The Varanasi district administration has made elaborate arrangements at the Gyanvapai mosque complex for Friday prayers in anticipation of greater traffic during the ongoing Archaeological study of India (ASI) study.

According to officials, the ASI survey, which began at 7 a.m. on Friday with a team of 40 professionals, has been paused for lunch and will resume after 02.30 p.m.

“The scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex started at 7 am today by a team of 40 experts. Photography and videography are being done,” Sudhir Tripathi, lawyer of the Hindu side, who was present inside Varanasi’s Gyanvapi mosque complex during the ASI survey.

“The survey will resume post-lunch. This survey will continue for a long time,” he said.

Earlier in the day, an ASI team arrived at the Gyanvapi mosque premises in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi, near to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and began a scientific study of the compound amid heavy security.

The Archaeological Survey of India was allowed to perform a survey at the Gyanvapi mosque on Thursday, as the Allahabad High Court dismissed the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee’s petition opposing the survey of the complex, which is close to the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi.

The Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee had appealed the July 21 judgment of the Varanasi District Judge. following July 21, Varanasi district judge AK Vishvesha ordered an ASI survey of the Gyanvapi complex following an application filed on May 16, 2023 by four Hindu ladies.

ASI begins survey of Gyanvapi mosque complex amid strict security

August 4, 2023, 10:45 am

On Friday morning, a team from the Archaeological assessment of India (ASI) arrived at the premises of the Gyanvapi mosque, which is close to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, and began a scientific assessment of the complex under strict security.

The Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee had filed a petition objecting to the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) survey of the mosque complex next to Varanasi’s Kashi Vishwanath temple, but the Allahabad High Court on Thursday allowed the ASI to proceed with its survey.
“Everyone (including ASI officials) arrived at that location.

The Varanasi District Judge’s order from July 21 had been contested by the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee.
In response to a request made by four Hindu ladies on May 16, 2023, Varanasi district judge AK Vishvesha ordered the ASI survey of the Gyanvapi complex on July 21.
However, the Wuzu Khana (ablution pond area) of the complex was not included in the district judge’s ruling because it had been sealed after the high court’s directive.

The Supreme Court had earlier ordered the ASI to delay its thorough scientific investigation of the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi until 5 p.m. on July 26 in order to determine whether the mosque next to the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi was built upon a temple. At that time, the hearing on the matter was in progress.

ASI starts its inspection of the Gyanvapi Mosque complex excluding ‘Wazukhana’ area

July 24, 2023, 10:54 am

In order to conduct a scientific survey of the mosque complex next to Kashi Vishwanath temple, an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) team traveled to Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday. The Hindu side’s attorney, Subhash Nandan Chaturvedi, predicted that Hindus will benefit from the survey’s findings. Subhash Nandan Chaturvedi stated to reporters, “We are confident that the entire premises is a temple only. The survey’s findings will be in our favor.

“Today the Gyanvapi survey will be conducted, it is a good thing for us…the survey will begin at 7 am, can’t say how long it will go on…”, said Sudhir Tripathi, advocate representing Hindu side.
On Sunday, the ASI team reached Varanasi with all the required equipment.
Notably, a Varanasi Court on Friday gave directions to conduct an ASI survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex, excluding the ‘Wazukhana’ area which has been sealed.
“I have been informed that my application has been approved and the court has given directions to conduct an ASI survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex, excluding the Wazukhana which has been sealed. I think the survey can be completed within 3 to 6 months,” said advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain appearing for the Hindu side.

The court’s ruling, according to Subhash Nandan Chaturvedi, who also represents the Hindu side in the Gyanvapi case, is a turning point in the litigation. “Our request to participate in the ASI survey has been approved. The case has reached a turning point, he said. The court issued its ruling in response to a petition from the Hindu side asking that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) be directed to conduct a “scientific survey” of the entire Gyanvapi mosque grounds.

Delhi police ASI injured after being stabbed by unknown attacker

June 2, 2023, 4:46 pm

On Thursday night, a Delhi police ASI was injured allegedly after being stabbed by an unknown man he nabbed on suspicion in Delhi’s Moti Nagar area, as per police information.

The victim, ASI, identified as Vikram Singh, was on night patrolling near the Zakhira flyover under the Moti Nagar Police station area of the city. On suspicion, he stopped a person and conducted a search on him. While Vikram was searching the suspect, he took out a knife and stabbed him multiple times, said the officials.

The accused later fled from the spot leaving him behind. While ASI was taken to a nearby hospital and admitted there, official said. Based on ASI’s complaint, a case under sections 186, 353 and 307 of IPC has been registered and the police were further looking into the case. “A team has been formed and the search for the accused is on,” the police said.

Cop found dead inside police station in Chhattisgarh

March 10, 2023, 3:50 pm

Assistant Sub Inspector Narendra Singh Parihar was found dead with wounds on his body in the premises of a police station in Korba district, Chhattisgarh. The police officer was living in a police barrack. The police have raised suspicion of his murder and the forensic team and a dog squad are involved in the investigation. Autopsy reports and further investigation are yet to confirm the exact cause of death.”The officer was posted at Bango police station in the district and residing at the police barrack”, ASP Abhishek added. Upon receiving the information, police officials along with the experts from the forensic team and dog squad rushed to the spot for undertaking investigation at the spot, said ASP Verma. More details will be available after the autopsy report.

ASI shoots himself at Muktsar district court complex, dies

September 6, 2022, 3:38 pm

ASI shoots himself at Muktsar district court complex, dies

Kulwinder Singh, an assistant sub-inspector (ASI), reportedly shot himself dead at the Muktsar district court complex on Tuesday afternoon.

According to police, the 53-year-old ASI shot himself in the chin and died on the spot.

Kulwant Rai, superintendent of police (headquarters) in Muktsar, stated that the ASI was leading a police party that relocated prisoners to court. “Eyewitnesses said Kulwinder Singh killed him with his official carbine,” the SP said.

The body of the ASI was discovered close to the main gate of the court complex’s prisoners’ (Bakshi Khana) room.