The Hindus consider the ASI protected 11th century monument a temple dedicated to Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati) while the Muslims regard it the ‘Maulana Kamal Maula Mosque’.
MP HC directs ASI to conduct scientific survey of disputed Bhojshala
The Madhya Pradesh High Court Monday directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a ‘scientific survey’ of the disputed Bhojshala Complex in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, which the Hindus and Muslims both claim to be theirs.
The High Court Division Bench at Indore, comprising Justice S A Dharmadhikari and Justice Devnarayan Mishra, noted that it was a constitutional and statutory obligation of the ASI to conduct a scientific study at the earliest.
The Hindus consider the Bhojshala, an ASI protected 11th century monument, a temple dedicated to Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati) while the Muslims regard it the ‘Maulana Kamal Maula Mosque’.
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Presently, Hindus perform puja in the Bhojshala premises on Tuesdays, while Muslims offer namaz in the complex on Fridays, as per an arrangement made by the ASI on 7 April 7 2003.
The HC direction came while hearing a plea filed by an outfit called Hindu Front for Justice (HFJ). HFJ president Ranjana Agnihotri and others had moved the plea against the Union of India and others.
Accepting the plea, the bench sought a proper documented comprehensively drafted report prepared by at least a five-member expert committee of senior-most ASI officials, headed by the ASI Director General/Additional Director General, to be submitted within a period of six weeks.
Dhar Shahar Qazi Waqar Sadiq reacted to the high court’s directives, saying they would appeal in the Supreme Court against the ruling in the matter.
Mr Sadiq said with due respect, the Muslim community does not accept the high court order and would soon file an appeal in the Apex Court.
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