Supreme Court denies stay on "survey" at MP's Bhojshala Complex
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New Delhi: The Supreme Court declined to halt the "scientific survey" of the Bhojshala complex, a medieval structure claimed by both Hindus and Muslims in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district.
However, it emphasized that no action should proceed without its authorization based on the findings of the ASI survey.
"Hindus view Bhojshala as a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, while the Muslim community identifies it as Kamal Maula Mosque," the court acknowledged.
Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Bhojshala dates back to the 11th century. The complex has been subject to contention, with Hindus conducting puja on Tuesdays and Muslims offering namaz on Fridays, following an arrangement established by the ASI on April 7, 2003.
In response to a plea by the Maulana Kamaluddin Welfare Society challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court's March 11 order for a scientific survey, a bench comprising Justices Hrishikesh Roy and P K Mishra issued notices to relevant parties, including the Centre, Madhya Pradesh government, and ASI.
"Issue notice returnable in four weeks. In the interim, no action should be taken without the leave of this court on the outcome of the ordered impugned survey," the bench instructed.
"It is made clear that no physical excavation should be taken which will change the character of the premises in question," the bench added.
The court's directive seeks to ensure that the integrity and historical significance of the Bhojshala complex remains intact amid the ongoing legal proceedings.