The Archaeological Survey of India, carrying out excavation at the disputed site in Ayodhya to ascertain whether a temple pre-existed the demolished Babri mosque, has sought additional time to complete the digging.

Highly placed sources in Ayodhya said the leader of the ASI team, Hari Majhi, submitted an application to the two observers appointed by the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court, requesting an extension of 15 days.

The court had given time till Sunday to complete excavation work and an additional 15 days to finalise and submit the report.

The case will come up for hearing in the court on July 1.

PTI