The Madhya Pradesh High Court has intervened in the dispute surrounding the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Dhar. The court has instructed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to share complete videography of its 98-day survey with all involved parties by April 27. This move aims to ensure transparency and equal access to evidence for both Hindu and Muslim stakeholders.
The ASI’s extensive survey utilized various scientific techniques and resulted in a detailed 2,000-page report. This report includes images of artifacts, carvings, and inscriptions unearthed at the site. The Bhojshala complex has been a subject of contention, with Hindus viewing it as a Goddess Saraswati temple and Muslims as the Kamal Maula mosque.
The court-ordered survey seeks to determine the historical nature of the site and is pivotal in the ongoing legal proceedings. The Hindu side cites idols, trishuls, and carvings as proof of temple remnants, while the Muslim side refers to historical records and land documents indicating it as a mosque.
The directive for sharing videography arose from the Muslim party’s request to challenge the ASI’s findings effectively. Despite the Supreme Court’s initial non-interference, the High Court has mandated the ASI to provide the footage. This development is anticipated to play a significant role in shaping the upcoming hearings and potentially resolving the enduring dispute.
