Gyanvapi mosque case: Varanasi court removes commissioner for leaking information

NEW DELHI: Ajay Kumar Mishra who was appointed advocate commissioner by Varanasi court to survey the Gyanvapi-Gauri Shringar complex has been removed from his post.
Ajay Mishra was removed for leaking survey information to media. Now, Vishal Singh will submit the survey report on May 19.
"Ajay Mishra was removed on the charges of not performing his duty responsibly and engaging a private cameraman in survey process.The cameraman had leaked outcomes of survey in media," sources said.
Assistant advocate commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh has been directed to work under the direction of Vishal Singh.
The three-day-long court-monitored videography survey of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple-Gyanvapi Mosque complex in Varanasi concluded on Monday.
Varanasi court had ordered the sealing of a pond in the Gyanvapi Masjid complex after lawyers representing the Hindu petitioners said a 'Shivling' was found there during the court-mandated videography survey.
Here are the latest developments:
SC issues notice to petitioner Hindu devotees, posts plea of mosque committee for hearing on May 19
The Supreme Court has directed the District Magistrate of Varanasi to ensure protection of area inside the Gyanvapi-Shringar Gauri complex where 'Shivling' is said to be found.
A bench comprising Justices D Y Chandrachud and P S Narasimha, while hearing the plea of the Committee of Management Anjuman Intezamia Masjid, which manages the affairs of Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi, ordered that Muslims can continue offering 'namaz' there without any impediment.
The top court, however, refused to stay the further proceedings before the civil judge, Varanasi who is hearing the lawsuit related to the Gyanvapi mosque.
Varanasi court agrees to give commission 2-day time to submit survey report
The Varanasi court has agreed to give commission two-day time to submit survey report.
Special advocate commissioner Vishal Singh had sought two-day time to include all vital facts of disputed site in the court commission report in Gyanvapi survey, which is almost complete.
Commission sought 2-day time to submit survey report before court
The court-appointed special Commission has sought a two-day time to submit the survey report of the Gyanvapi mosque.
"A petition has been filed seeking a two-day time to file the Commission report. The matter will be heard on Tuesday," said Assistant Court Commissioner Ajay Pratap Singh.
The Varanasi Court is expected to pronounce the order at 4 pm on the application of the court-appointed commission.
Gyanvapi mosque survey report not ready
The commission tasked with the videography survey of the Gyanvapi Masjid complex sought additional time from a local court to submit its report as it is yet to be prepared, an official said.
The court had earlier asked the commission to submit the report by Tuesday.
Assistant Advocate Commissioner, Ajay Pratap Singh, said, "As per the orders of the court, the videography survey of the Gyanvapi Masjid complex took place from May 14 to May 16 from 8 am to 12 noon, and its report was to be submitted to the court."
"However, we are not submitting the report in the court today (Tuesday) since it is not prepared. We will seek additional time from the court, and whatever time the court gives, we will submit the report then," Singh said.
Hindu Sena moves SC seeking dismissal of plea against survey
President of the Hindu Sena, Vishnu Gupta has filed an intervention application seeking directions for dismissal of the petition filed by Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Management Committee challenging the videographic survey of the Gyanvapi Mosque.
The application was mentioned today before a bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud by advocate Barun Kumar Sinha, appearing for Hindu Sena, for hearing the application with the main matter today.
Hindus, Muslims should ensure there's no bid to divide people on religious lines: Maharashtra home minister
Maharashtra home minister Dilip Walse Patil on Tuesday said members of the Hindu and Muslim communities should ensure there is no attempt made to divide people in the state on religious lines, and the atmosphere must be kept peaceful.
“The matter is pending before the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court will take a decision in that regard. The brothers and sisters from Hindu and Muslim communities should take care that there is no (bid to) divide people on religious lines (in Maharashtra),” the minister told reporters.
The atmosphere in the state must be kept peaceful, he added.
(With agency inputs)