The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has finished its court-ordered survey of the Bhojshala Complex in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh. However, the ASI has asked for 8 more weeks to submit its report to the Indore High Court, which was originally due on April 29.
On Tuesday, the last day of the survey, the 21-member ASI team along with 32 labourers visited the complex. Representatives from both Hindu and Muslim sides were also present during the survey.
“According to an arrangement in 2003, Hindus perform puja at the complex on Tuesdays from sunrise to sunset while Muslims offer namaz on Fridays from 1 pm to 3 pm,” said a local official.
For Hindus, the Bhojshala Complex is a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati), while Muslims consider it the site of the Kamal Maula mosque.
Last month, the Supreme Court refused to stay the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s order directing ASI to conduct this survey within six weeks. “The survey may cause damage to the place of worship and affect religious sentiments of communities at large,” the appellants had argued while seeking an urgent hearing.
The High Court had ordered ASI to form an expert committee to “complete scientific investigation, survey and excavation” of the complex and submit a report in six weeks. The next court hearing is scheduled for April 29.
