Court Extends Deadline for ASI's Bhojshala Survey Report to July 15

The Indore branch of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has extended the deadline for the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to submit its survey report on the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula mosque complex in Dhar district by 10 days. Originally due by July 2, the new deadline is July 15.

This extension follows a plea by the ASI, which cited the need for additional time due to the Hyderabad-based National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) requiring three weeks to analyze the extensive data from the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)-Geographic Information System (GIS) survey of the 11th-century monument. The survey, lasting nearly three months, was conducted on a site that is a point of contention between Hindus and Muslims.

Justice Sushruta Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice Duppala Venkata Ramana emphasized that the ASI had already been given ample time. Despite this, the ASI's counsel reiterated the need for an extension, which the court granted with a firm deadline of July 15 for the submission of the survey report to the court and all concerned parties.

During the proceedings, the ASI confirmed that the survey had been completed. Senior advocate Salman Khurshid, representing the Muslim side, requested the ASI to assure the court that no further excavation would occur on the disputed site post-survey. ASI's counsel, Himanshu Joshi, clarified that no excavation was taking place; rather, the ground was being leveled to prevent water damage during rains.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for July 22. The Bhojshala is regarded by Hindus as a temple dedicated to Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), while Muslims refer to it as the Kamal Maula Mosque.

The ASI was instructed by the High Court on March 11 to conduct a scientific survey of the complex following a request from the ‘Hindu Front for Justice’. The ASI began its survey on March 22, concluding recently. An order from April 7, 2003, has allowed Hindus to worship at the Bhojshala every Tuesday and Muslims to offer namaz there every Friday. This arrangement, in place for 21 years, is currently being contested by the Hindu Front for Justice.