Guwahati, July 7 -- A petition seeking a court-monitored survey of the Taj Mahal complex in connection with claims that it was originally the 'Tejo Mahalaya' temple has moved forward after the Allahabad High Court sought responses from the Centre and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal directed the Union government and the ASI to file their counter-affidavits and also issued notice to respondent Pankaj Kumar Verma while hearing the matter.

The case originates from a civil suit filed in the Agra court in 2015 by representatives of the 'Lord Shri Agreshwar Mahadev Nagnatheshwar Virajman Tejo Mahalaya Temple', who are seeking a declaration that the Taj Mahal complex is a temple.

As part of the proceeding...