MP High Court Judges Conduct Site Inspection of Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque Ahead of Key Hearing
In a significant development, two judges from the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court undertook a detailed inspection of the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar district on Saturday. This visit was conducted in preparation for the crucial hearing scheduled for April 2, during which the court will examine suggestions and objections to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) report concerning the disputed monument.
High Court's Proposal for an Unbiased Site Visit
The High Court had proposed this site visit to be carried out without the presence of either the petitioners or the respondents involved in the case. This move was aimed at ensuring an impartial assessment of the premises. The judges arrived at the monument in the afternoon under a tight security blanket and spent approximately one hour meticulously inspecting various sections of the site.
Accompanied by Local Officials During the Inspection
During their visit, the judges were accompanied by Dhar Collector Priyank Mishra and Superintendent of Police Mayank Awasthi. The officials guided the judges through different parts of the monument, including the specific area where an idol of Goddess Vaghdevi (Saraswati) is believed to have been originally instituted before being relocated to the British Museum in London.
The Core of the Dispute: Temple vs. Mosque
The Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque stands at the center of a long-standing religious dispute. Hindu groups assert that the structure is originally a temple dedicated to Goddess Vaghdevi, while Muslim communities maintain that it is the Kamal Maula Mosque. The ASI, through a five-member expert committee, conducted an extensive 98-day scientific survey at the complex following the High Court's directives.
The survey employed advanced techniques such as:
- Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and GPS surveys
- Comprehensive photography and videography
- Carbon dating of materials
The preliminary findings of the ASI report suggest that the monument was constructed using remnants of Hindu temples dating back to the Parmara era.
Upcoming Court Proceedings and Interveners
The court is currently seized with the matter and is expected to hear objections, suggestions, and recommendations regarding the ASI survey report during the April 2 hearing. In a notable decision, the court has granted a 'right to audience' to several intervening applications. These interveners will be permitted to present their arguments and submit relevant documents and affidavits.
One such intervener is Qazi Moinuddin, who claims to be a direct descendant of Kamal Maulana Chisti, adding another layer to the historical and legal dimensions of the case.
Additional Petitions Regarding Jain Heritage
Furthermore, the court will also address a separate petition that alleges the existence of a medieval Jain temple and gurukul within the disputed monument's premises in Dhar district. This petition introduces additional historical claims that could influence the court's final deliberations on the site's heritage and ownership.
The inspection by the High Court judges marks a pivotal step in the judicial process, as the court prepares to weigh the archaeological evidence against the competing claims of religious and historical significance associated with the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque.
