The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is to begin the survey of the Bhojshala complex in Dhar tomorrow, March 22, an official order issued by the department said on Thursday. The development comes after the order of the High Court, Madhya Pradesh at Indore.
"In compliance with the order of Hon'ble High Court, Madhya Pradesh at Indore in Writ Petition No. 10497 of 2022 the Archaeological Survey of India would be conducting archaeological survey/ scientific investigation/ excavation as directed by the Hon'ble Court from early morning of 22.3.2024," the official statement read.
Earlier this month, the MP High Court ordered a 'multidisciplinary scientific survey' of the Bhojshala temple and Kamal Maula mosque to 'ascertain the true character, nature, and form' of the disputed site, which has previously sparked communal clashes.
According to the Times of India, a division bench of Justices SA Dharmadhikari and Devnarayan Mishra, acting on a petition filed by the Hindu Front for Justice, directed the Archaeological Survey of India to form a five-member panel comprised of the most senior officers and submit a report within six weeks.
Hindus consider Bhojshala, an ASI-protected monument from the 11th century, to be a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, whereas Muslims refer to it as the Kamal Maula mosque. Since April 2003, according to an ASI order, Hindus have performed puja on Tuesdays and Muslims have offered namaz on Fridays.
The court focused on Section 16 of the Monuments Act of 1958, which deals with the protection of a place of worship from misuse, pollution, and desecration, and stated that determining the character of a place of worship is a prerequisite for "deciding the primary, fundamental, and essential purpose of the place of worship or shrine" under this section.