New Delhi/Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Even as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) submitted its scientific survey report of the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar to Indore bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court, the Supreme Court on Monday agreed to consider listing a plea against the "scientific survey".
A petition was filed in the apex court by the Maulana Kamaluddin Welfare Society challenging the March 11 order of the High Court for the "scientific survey" of the "Bhojshala", a medieval-era structure in Dhar district which both Hindus and Muslims claim as their own, to ascertain it belonged to which community.
In its March 11 order, the High Court order had directed the ASI to carry out a survey of the Bhojshala complex within six weeks and submit its report, the deadline which later was extended till July 15.
A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti agreed to consider listing the matter after advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, appearing for the Hindu petitioners, submitted that the ASI has already filed its report which runs into more than 2,000 pages.
He also informed the bench that the Hindu side has filed its reply to the pending petition.
Under an arrangement devised by the ASI on April 7, 2003, Hindus perform puja on the Bhojshala premises on Tuesdays, while Muslims offer namaz in the complex on Fridays.
On April 1, the top court had refused to stay a scientific survey of Bhojshala, an ASI-protected 11th-century monument. Hindus consider Bhojshala a temple dedicated to Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), while the Muslim community calls it Kamal Maula mosque.
The top court, while seeking responses on the plea, had said no action should be taken without its leave on the outcome of the impugned survey.
