In a significant development concerning the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal-Maula mosque complex, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) delivered its extensive scientific survey report to the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Monday. The report, which spans over 2,000 pages, was submitted by ASI’s counsel, Himanshu Joshi.
“I have submitted the report,” Joshi confirmed, signaling a crucial step forward in the long-standing dispute involving the 11th-century monument. The High Court is scheduled to deliberate on the findings of the report in a session set for July 22.
The controversy centers around the religious claims of both Hindu and Muslim communities over the historic site. Hindus revere the site as Bhojshala, a temple dedicated to Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), while Muslims identify it as the Kamal Maula mosque.
The legal proceedings took a pivotal turn on March 11 when the High Court mandated the ASI to conduct a detailed scientific survey following a petition by the ‘Hindu Front for Justice.’ Initially granted six weeks to complete the investigation, the ASI requested additional time, beginning their survey on March 22 and concluding recently.
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The background of this dispute traces back to an ASI order issued on April 7, 2003, which aimed to mitigate tensions by regulating access to the monument. According to this longstanding arrangement, Hindus are permitted to worship at Bhojshala on Tuesdays, and Muslims can offer namaz there on Fridays. However, this arrangement has been contested by the Hindu Front for Justice, sparking the need for further judicial review.
