In 2022, five women filed a petition in Varanasi court seeking daily worship permission for idols in Gyanvapi Mosque.

Idols are carved on the outer walls of the mosque.

The judge (senior division) directed the videography of the entire mosque complex during the hearing and set a report deadline of May 17.

Hindu outlook considers a 10 feet deep well called Gyanvapi, located between the mosque and Vishwanath temple, significant for Lord Shiva's Lingabhishek.

During the survey, an eye-captivating crocodile idol and broken temple shikharas were discovered in the Gyanvapi Masjid complex.

A complete ban was imposed on movement within 500 meters of the Gyanvapi mosque complex to prevent any disturbance.

Police banned vehicle movement from the Godauliya and Maidagin areas.

Reports suggest architectural replacement of the temple top with the mosque dome, and various Hindu artifacts were found inside the cellars.

Vishnushankar Jain claims a 12.8 feet long Shivling was found during the survey and was later sealed off and handed to CRPF for security reasons.

Muslim petitioners cited the Places of Worship Act of 1991 to challenge the videography decision and reject Hindu parties' claims.