Controversial Survey of Gyanvapi Mosque Sparks Legal Battle

An Indian court has granted permission for a scientific survey to determine if a 17th-century mosque in Varanasi was built over a Hindu temple, a contentious issue between India's Hindu majority and Muslim minority. The Gyanvapi mosque is one of several mosques in Uttar Pradesh state that some Hindus believe were constructed on demolished Hindu temples. The survey, conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India, was temporarily halted by the Supreme Court but has now been allowed to proceed. Muslim petitioners have objected to the survey, citing potential damage to the structure, and have the option to appeal the decision in the Supreme Court.