MP High Court gives extension of eight weeks, ASI is surveying the mosque premises

Bhojshala Survey: Madhya Pradesh High Court on Monday (April 29) gave eight weeks’ time to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to complete the ongoing survey of Bhojshala and Kamal Maula Masjid complex in Dhar. Justice SA Dharmadhikari and Justice Gajendra Singh of the Indore bench of the High Court gave this extension while accepting the application of ASI.

After considering the arguments of all the concerned parties, the double bench ordered the ASI to submit the complete report of the survey of the disputed premises by July 2. The High Court made it clear that ASI will not be given more time to complete the survey. The court has fixed July 4 for the next hearing of the case.

Objections were raised in the court
ASI has been engaged in survey in Bhojshala and Kamal Maula Masjid premises for more than a month. In the application filed in the High Court for extension to complete this exercise, it said that it needs some more time to understand the nature of the exposed parts of the structures of this complex. On the other hand, on behalf of the Muslim side, Maulana Kamaluddin Welfare Society, objection was raised in the court on this request of ASI. The society claimed that the ASI is excavating the disputed premises in a manner that is violating the guidelines of the apex court.

The complex is protected by ASI
After considering the facts, the High Court rejected the objection of the society and said that if any such violation is taking place, then the concerned respondent is free to approach the appropriate forum. The Hindu community considers Bhojshala as the temple of Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), while the Muslim side calls this 11th century monument the Kamal Maula Masjid. This complex is protected by ASI.

On March 11, on the application of ‘Hindu Front for Justice’, Madhya Pradesh High Court had ordered ASI to conduct a scientific survey of Bhojshala and Kamal Maula Masjid complex within six weeks. After this, ASI started the survey of this disputed complex from March 22, which is continuing.

Permission has been given to offer namaz
After the controversy regarding Bhojshala started, ASI had issued an order on April 7, 2003. According to this order, as per the system that has been in place for the last 21 years, Hindus are allowed to offer prayers at Bhojshala every Tuesday, while Muslims are allowed to offer namaz at this place every Friday. ‘Hindu Front for Justice’ has challenged this system in its petition.

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