The ASI on July 21 the previous year conducted a scientific survey of the Gyanvapi premises, as mandated by a district court order issued. The objective was to ascertain whether the mosque was built over a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple.

The Allahabad High Court on Friday adjourned hearing on a petition filed by the Anjuman Intezamia Committee challenging the maintainability of a suit seeking "restoration" of a temple at the site of the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi.