Madhya Pradesh: Hearing on ASI Survey Report in Bhojshala Dispute Set for March 16

Bhopal, March 15: A significant hearing regarding the long-standing Bhojshala dispute is scheduled for March 16 at the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

This case pertains to a historic structure located in Dhar district, which is under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Previously, the court directed the ASI to conduct a comprehensive scientific survey of the entire site using modern techniques.

The survey lasted approximately 98 days, and its final report was submitted to the court in a sealed envelope. Following directives from the Supreme Court, copies of this report were made available to all parties involved in the case.

Subsequently, the High Court set March 16 for the hearing, allowing all parties to register their objections, suggestions, and recommendations regarding the ASI’s findings.

The hearing will commence with discussions on specific objections raised by the Muslim side concerning several critical points outlined in the survey documents. These objections have also been shared with other parties. The court will thoroughly examine these points during the proceedings.

In addition to objections related to the survey report, the bench may also consider other pending petitions associated with the Bhojshala case. Three different Muslim organizations have filed petitions requesting to be included as parties in the ongoing cases. These petitions are likely to be addressed during the hearing.

Multiple related petitions are being heard together, including a primary petition filed by the ‘Hindu Front for Justice,’ which demands a declaration regarding the religious nature of the site. Additionally, the ‘Kamal Maulana Welfare Society’ has submitted a separate petition.

The dispute centers around this site, which the Hindu community regards as an ancient temple dedicated to “Maa Vagdev Saraswati,” while the Muslim community identifies it as the ‘Kamal Maula Mosque.’

Currently, according to a previous court order, Hindus are permitted to worship at the site on Tuesdays, while the Muslim community offers prayers there on Fridays. The ASI was instructed to conduct the survey to uncover historical and structural details of this monument using unaltered scientific methods.

It is anticipated that this report will play a crucial role in determining future aspects related to the rights of worship and the preservation of this protected monument.

Local authorities in Dhar have made necessary security arrangements to maintain peace and order during the court proceedings.

Both communities are closely monitoring the developments in this case, as the outcome could significantly impact the resolution of this sensitive issue, which has persisted for several years.