The Varanasi district court hearing the Gyanvapi mosque dispute reserved its order in the case on Thursday and will pronounce it on October 7. The Hindu side demanded a scientific investigation of the 'Shivling' and carbon dating of 'Argha', which was opposed by the Masjid Committee.

Speaking to media, advocate Vishnu Jain, representing the Hindu side, said the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee opposed the probe saying it's a fountain and not a 'Shivling'.

The court had earlier ruled in favour of Hindu women seeking permission to pray inside the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi, next to the Kashi Viswanath temple. The apex court had upheld the their petition as legally valid.

District Judge A K Vishvesh had dismissed the Masjid committee’s petition saying the suit of the plaintiffs is not barred by the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, the Waqf Act, 1995 and UP Sri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Act, 1983.

(With inputs from agencies)