Gyanvapi mosque case: Varanasi court grants 2 more days to submit survey report, removes commissioner for leaking information

Varanasi: The court of Civil Judge (Senior Division) Ravi Kumar Diwakar on Tuesday removed Commissioner Ajay Kumar Mishra from the survey team with immediate effect, after Special Advocate Commissioner of the team Vishal Singh complained that Mishra compromised the probe by lack of secrecy and disinterest.

The court directed that the report will be submitted by the Special Advocate Commissioner and gave two days additional time for the same.

Earlier, the Special Commissioner had moved an application and stated that Mishra was neither taking interest in the proceedings of the commission, nor was he cooperating in the work.

Singh told the court that Mishra has engaged a private cameraman RP Singh, who was giving wrong bytes to the media, due to which he was removed from the proceedings of the commission on Monday. Mishra confirmed the statement in the court.

The court observed, "When a lawyer is appointed as an Advocate Commissioner and he does commission work, then his situation is that of a public servant and he is expected to execute the commission work with full fairness and honesty and should not give an irresponsible statement in public. Whereas Advocate Commissioner Ajay Kumar Mishra executed his official duties with utmost irresponsible manner. As Special Advocate Commissioner Vishal Singh has given an application to clarify the situation, therefore from the investigation, it is clear that the Advocate Commissioner hired a private cameraman, who regularly gave bytes to media, which is totally averse to judicial dignity."

The court said, "Advocate Commissioner Ajay Kumar Mishra is being relieved from the post that means removed with immediate effect. Special Commissioner Vishal Singh will himself submit the report of the commission's proceedings after May 12."

"Assistant Advocate Commissioner Ajay Pratap Singh will work under the direction of Special Advocate Commissioner Vishal Singh and will not do anything independently. The commission is being given two days time to submit its report," it added.

The court invited objections on the application moved by the Hindu side and fixed May 18 as the next date of hearing.

Earlier in the day, Assistant Court Commissioner Ajay Pratap Singh said, "Survey lasted for 3 days from May 14 to 16. Only 50 per cent of the report is ready, not completed yet, which is why I won't be able to produce it before the court today.

We will seek 3-4 days' time from court." From the Hindu side, a new application was moved, seeking direction for removal of obstacles in front of the statue of Nandi. (UNI)