The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Monday deferred the hearing in the Bhojshala temple–Kamal Maula Mosque dispute to February 18 owing to a statewide lawyers’ strike. The matter had been listed for the first time after the Supreme Court directed that the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) scientific survey report be unsealed and shared with the parties.
The disputed 11th-century monument in Dhar is claimed by Hindus as the Bhojshala temple of Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati), while the Muslim community identifies it as the Kamal Maula Mosque. The site is a protected monument under the ASI.
With advocates abstaining from work, litigants from both sides appeared in person before the court.
Ashish Goyal, associated with the petitioner body Hindu Front for Justice, said the court deferred the matter due to the strike and fixed February 18 as the next date.
From the Muslim side, Abdul Samad of the Maulana Kamaluddin Welfare Society was present and stated that before any final determination on the dispute, the High Court should first decide a 2019 petition pending before the principal bench at Jabalpur. The plea challenges the implementation of an ASI order dated April 7, 2003 governing access to the site.
Under the ASI’s arrangement issued after the dispute arose, Hindus are allowed to offer prayers on Tuesdays, while Muslims are permitted to offer namaz on Fridays at the complex.
On January 22, the Supreme Court directed the High Court to unseal the ASI’s scientific survey report submitted in a sealed cover and provide it to the parties. The apex court permitted them to inspect non-copyable portions in the presence of counsel and file objections before the matter is taken up for final hearing.
The Supreme Court also ordered that status quo be maintained at the site until the writ petition is finally decided, while continuing adherence to the existing ASI worship schedule.
The High Court is now expected to take up the matter on February 18.
