The Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, hearing the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula mosque case, was informed on Monday that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has presented inconsistent stands regarding the religious character of the disputed monument in different petitions over time.
Senior advocate Shobha Menon, appearing on behalf of a group of interveners, argued that the ASI cannot mislead the court under any circumstances. She pointed out that the ASI had at one point stated the structure is not a mosque, and at another, claimed it is not a temple. This shifting stance, she argued, undermines the credibility of the ASI's submissions.
The Bhojshala complex, located in Dhar district, has been a subject of contention between Hindu and Muslim groups. Hindus claim it as a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, while Muslims assert it is the Kamal Maula mosque. The ASI has been involved in multiple legal proceedings regarding the site.
The court is expected to continue hearing arguments in the case. The interveners seek a clear and consistent position from the ASI to aid in resolving the long-standing dispute.
