Today, On 4th July, The Madhya Pradesh High Court requested the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to submit a survey report regarding the Bhojshala complex in Dhar by July 15. This directive part of the ongoing legal proceedings concerning the historical site.
Indore: The Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, On Thursday, directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to submit its survey report on the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar by July 15.
The Bhojshala complex, a significant site for both Hindus and Muslims, serving as a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati) for Hindus and as the Kamal Maula mosque for Muslims. Following an arrangement made in 2003, Hindus allowed to perform puja at the complex on Tuesdays from sunrise to sunset, while Muslims can offer namaz on Fridays from 1 pm to 3 pm.
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The ASI initiated the survey of the Bhojshala/Kamal Maula Mosque complex in the tribal-dominated Dhar district on March 22, in compliance with the High Court‘s order.
In an order dated March 11, the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court instructed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to form an expert committee to “complete scientific investigation, survey, and excavation, through the adoption of the latest methods and techniques” and submit the report within six weeks.
During the subsequent hearing on April 29, the ASI requested additional time for the survey. The court granted the ASI an additional eight weeks from April 29 to complete the survey, emphasizing that no further extensions would be granted beyond this period.
The court directed the ASI to submit a comprehensive report by July 2, 2024, with the next hearing scheduled for July 4.
During the hearing on Thursday, the ASI requested an additional four weeks to submit the report, but the court ordered the submission by July 15.
The next hearing scheduled for July 22. Shreesh Dubey, a lawyer representing the Hindu side, told ,
“A hearing in connection with Dhar’s Bhojshala issue scheduled before the division bench of Indore Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court for today. Earlier in April, the court directed ASI to submit its survey report by July 2, on which ASI sought further time of four weeks.”
He continued,
“During the hearing on Thursday, the court ordered ASI to submit the report by July 15, and the next hearing into the matter is scheduled for July 22. Additionally, the ASI requested to present the report in a sealed envelope, and the court instructed that all concerned parties should refrain from commenting on the report until the court delivers its verdict.”
Read Also: Jain Community Seeks ‘Right to Worship’ at Bhojshala in MP: Plea in HC
The dispute surrounding Bhojshala initiated from conflicting claims, the Hindu community regards it as the temple of Goddess Vagdevi, whereas the Muslim community identifies it as Kamal Maula Mosque.
Since April 7, 2003, the Archaeological Survey of India has acknowledged the significance of the complex to both communities. Under a special arrangement, Hindus can conduct puja on Tuesdays, while Muslims are granted permission to offer namaz on Fridays. This harmonious coexistence of religious rituals highlights the complex’s role as a symbol of India’s rich cultural and religious diversity.