Court Orders ASI to Submit Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque Survey Report by July 15

The Indore Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court has instructed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to submit its survey report on the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex by July 15. The complex, located in Dhar district, is significant to both Hindus and Muslims. For Hindus, it is a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati), while for Muslims, it is the site of the Kamal Maula mosque.

According to a 2003 arrangement, Hindus perform puja at the complex on Tuesdays from sunrise to sunset, and Muslims offer namaz on Fridays from 1 pm to 3 pm. The ASI began the survey on March 22 following a court order dated March 11, which directed the ASI to form an expert committee to conduct a scientific investigation, survey, and excavation using the latest methods and techniques.

Initially, the ASI was given six weeks to complete the survey, but during a hearing on April 29, they requested more time. The court granted an additional eight weeks from April 29, setting a new deadline of July 2. However, during the hearing on July 4, the ASI sought further time, and the court extended the deadline to July 15. The next hearing is scheduled for July 22.

Shreesh Dubey, the lawyer representing the Hindu side, stated that the ASI requested to present the report in a sealed envelope and for the court to give the report to the concerned parties. The court instructed that all parties should refrain from commenting on the report until the court delivers its verdict.