Lucknow: The Allahabad High Court on March 11 ordered that a general survey of the
acquired land in Ayodhya be conducted before the commencement of the excavation work
on March 12.
The Lucknow bench of the High Court directed the appointed commissioner Narendra
Prasad to conduct general survey of the site, as well as lay out of trenches again,
if already done, at 10.00 am (IST) on March 12 in the presence of the contesting
parties or their counsels or nominees.
The High Court issued these directions to the authorised person, director
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), New Delhi and the team leader, ASI excavation
team Ayodhya, with regard to the excavation of the disputed site at Ayodhya,
following certain objections raised by the Sunni Central Waqf board.
The trio has also been instructed to submit periodical progress report of the work
to the court without any briefing or disclosure of the same to the media and to
maintain transparency.
A list of names and addresses of all persons, including labourers, engaged in the
excavation work and of equipments and tools likely to be used is also to be
submitted to the court.
It was further provided that the videography, if done, and the materials likely to
be recovered during excavation are to be kept in sealed cover/bundles at some nearby
located building under lock and seal.
The above instructions were issued in relation to the two orders passed by the
special full bench hearing Ayodhya matter on March 5, asking ASI to excavate the
disputed site to ascertain if the demolished structure was built on a temple.
PTI
