Varanasi, October 14: A Varanasi court is expected to deliver its verdict on Friday on the Hindu side's plea seeking carbon dating of the purported 'Shivling' claimed to be found in the Gyanvapi mosque complex.
The Hindu side had claimed that a 'Shivling' was found on the Gyanvapi premises near the 'wazukhana' during the videography survey of the mosque premises, which was ordered by the court.
However, the Muslim side said the structure found was a 'fountain'. The Hindu side had then submitted an application on September 22 that sought a carbon dating of the object they claimed to be 'Shivling'. Carbon dating is a scientific process that ascertains the age of an archaeological object or archaeological finds.
Also Read | Schedule for Gujarat, Himachal Assembly elections to be out anytime soon
Vishnu Jain, representing the Hindu side said, "The Muslim side said Shivling was not a part of the suit property and its carbon dating could not be done. We have given our clarification on both of these points. The court will deliver its verdict on October 14."
[caption id="attachment_705727" align="aligncenter" width="750"]
The court had reserved the order in the Gyanvapi Mosque-Shringar Gauri case after hearing both sides' arguments.[/caption]
Earlier on September 29, the Hindu side demanded a scientific investigation of the 'Shivling' by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the carbon dating of 'Argha' and the area around it.
The court had reserved the order in the Gyanvapi Mosque-Shringar Gauri case after hearing both sides' arguments.
Akhlaq Ahmed, representing the Muslim side, had said the plea by the Hindu side was not maintainable as it was against the order of the Supreme Court that stated protecting the structure (which the Muslim side claims to be a fountain and the Hindu side claims to be a Shivling).
Also Read | Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's security upgraded to 'Z ' category on all India basis
"We responded to the application on carbon dating. Stone does not have the capacity to absorb carbon. The Supreme Court in its May 17 order, according to which, the object that was found by the commission, had to be protected. The order of the SC will prevail, so the object cannot be opened. According to the Hindu side, the process will be scientific, even if it is so, there will be tampering with the object. Chemicals will be used for the test. We will take action based on the order by the court on October 14," said Ahmed.
-PTC News with ANI inputs
